Blackhawk Network Introduces Digital Gift Cards Through Online Banking in Germany

PLEASANTON, Calif., Jan. 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Blackhawk Network, a leading prepaid and payments network, has announced today a new strategic partnership between its German subsidiary, Retailo GmbH and Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB). DKB's banking customers can now digitally purchase gift cards for Facebook, Nintendo eShop and Spotify using their online bank accounts.

"Retailo is an important Blackhawk business unit that operates in Germany and we're excited to offer digital gift cards in that market through the German online banking channel," said Bill Tauscher, Blackhawk Network chief executive officer. "Our relationship with DKB will not only further entrench Blackhawk Network in EMEA, but also provide our German customers with new access to digital gift cards."

"We have been consistently developing our digital distribution channels for gift cards," said Retailo GmbH's Christian Lindner, [CEO]. "This cooperation is an important step in making our product range available digitally for bank customers."

DKB customers can choose different values of the three providers' gift cards. The process is fast, just a simple click, and the purchase is secured by a TAN or PIN query. DKB debits the chosen value to the customer's account, thereafter the digital gift card is delivered to the recipient.

"Our experience with prepaid credit for cell phones offered in our online banking service has been very positive," says Tilo Hacke, board member for private customers at DKB. "By offering digital gift cards, we are taking a step further towards e-commerce. We are going to expand these services in the near future and expect Retailo to grow alongside us."

Blackhawk Network acquired Retailo in 2013, which operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary with more than 40,000 retail distribution locations in Germany.

About Blackhawk Network
Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HAWK and HAWKB) is a leading prepaid and payments global company, which supports the program management and distribution of gift cards, prepaid telecom products and financial service products in a number of different retail, digital and incentive channels. Blackhawk's digital platform supports prepaid across a network of digital distribution partners including retailers, financial service providers, and mobile wallets. For more information please, visit www.blackhawknetwork.com

About Retailo
Founded in 2007, Retailo GmbH is a leading multichannel gift card distributor in Europe. Retailo has a network of over 40,000 retail distribution locations at retail outlets such as filling stations, lottery agencies, supermarkets and bank branches. The company also has website offerings, smartphone and social media apps along with customized solutions for business clients.  For further information and photos visit www.retailo.de and www.geschenkkartenwelt.de.

About DKB
Deutsche Kreditbank AG (DKB), based in Berlin, is Germany's second-largest direct bank. It offers its over three million private customers to conduct their daily banking business online. A well-known product is DKB Cash, a package consisting of a free checking account, a debit card and a DKB Visa credit card with attractive interest paid monthly on credit balances. To extend the range of its services to private customers, especially in payment transactions, DKB cooperates with non-banks such as PayPal since 2014.

DKB's strategic focus is on industries with sustainable growth potential in Germany: renewable energy, healthcare, nursing care, education, agriculture and housing. DKB has been the bank of choice for companies and local authorities for many years. www.dkb.de

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements that are indicated by words such as "expects," "will," "plans," "intends," "committed to," "estimates" and "is." No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, including without limitation expected future expanded distribution and product selection. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Neither Blackhawk Network nor any other person can assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of forward-looking statements. Various factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Blackhawk Network's control.  Blackhawk Network undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any such obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For additional information please refer to Blackhawk Network's most recent Form 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K reports filed with the SEC.

SOURCE Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc.

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