Online payment service provider Ogone has recently opened an office in the US and appointed James Byler to the role of Regional Head of North America. With this expansion Ogone wants to open the European e-commerce markets to US companies and establish local partnerships to further Ogone’s distribution network.

The Belgium-based company is connected with more than 200 banks and acquirers to provide more than 80 international, alternative and prominent local payment methods in Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. Local payment methods include ELV and giropay in Germany, Carte Bleue in France, iDeal and Machtigingen in the Netherlands, and Bancontact/Mister Cash in Belgium.

As part of their expansion program Ogone acquired India’s second largest online payment provider E-Billing Solutions (EBS) in 2011. This was Ogone’s first acquisition and its first move outside the European market. According to the company, expanding to the US was the next logical step and will help to evolve from a European to a world player.