Vigo Remittance Corp. was founded nearly 20 years before 2005 to provide money transfer services to Brazilian consumers living in New York City and Newark, New Jersey. The company successfully expanded its geographic reach to serve 47 countries across multiple regions. In 2003, Mario Trujillo acquired Vigo in partnership with Great Hill Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm, with a focus on improving profitability and operational efficiencies. In May 2005, First Data Corp. announced its acquisition of Vigo, integrating the company into its global electronic commerce and payment services platform.
Vigo's primary service offering is electronic money transfer, enabling consumers to send money across international borders with convenience and reliability. The company operates through an extensive agent network and payment location infrastructure, making it accessible to customers throughout the United States and recipient countries. At the time of acquisition, Vigo was processing approximately 8 million transactions annually, demonstrating significant transaction volume and market presence.
Vigo distinguishes itself through its long-established presence in the money transfer market, particularly strong relationships in Latin American and Caribbean corridors. The company built its reputation on serving underbanked populations seeking reliable remittance services to their home countries. Its acquisition by First Data Corp., a global leader in electronic commerce and payment services, positioned it to leverage larger resources while maintaining its established business strengths and agent network.
Vigo operates in a competitive money transfer market dominated by established players. While the company had achieved profitability improvements under new ownership and maintained extensive distribution, it ultimately required acquisition by a larger financial services corporation to remain competitive. The company's value proposition centers on accessibility and trust rather than innovative technology or pricing advantages.