Central Bank approves acquisition of Acqio by Entre Group

Between August 15 and 21, the Startupi, FintechLab and Finsiders Brasil websites reported that the Central Bank (BC) had approved the acquisition of Acqio, a means of payment franchise, by Grupo Entre, an ecosystem specializing in means of payment, digital services and financial solutions. The decision was published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOU) on Friday 15th.

"With control of Acqio, we will have more autonomy to accelerate investments and develop solutions integrated into our ecosystem, expanding the population's access to financial services," said Antonio Freixo, CEO of Grupo Entre, about the latest chapter in the connection between the two companies, which began with a partnership in 2023.

Founded just over ten years ago in Porto Digital in Recife, Acqio grew rapidly by focusing on selling machines to small retailers in smaller towns. With the pandemic and increased competition, the company underwent a restructuring, aligning itself with Grupo Entre's ecosystem through investments in technology, team renewal and adjustments to the business model.

At the ABF Franchising Expo in June, the company presented its new franchise model with physical stores, features such as PIX by approximation and Paga Fácil, and two new commercial formats aimed at partners with a high volume of transactions. The company now serves from micro-entrepreneurs to large retailers, with portfolios ranging from R$15 million to R$100 million per month.

According to Gustavo Danzi, Acqio's CEO, the goal for 2025 is to increase active franchise contracts by 30%. "We have a structured launch schedule for new features and we are very optimistic about the company's new moment," says Danzi.

Acqio is currently present in more than 10,000 points of sale, with a strong presence in the North and Northeast regions, according to Antonio Carlos Freixo Junior, CEO of Grupo Entre.