Electronic commerce and payment services provider First Data International today announced it has extended its agreement with Laurentian Bank of Canada. Under terms of the agreement, First Data will continue to provide payment processing services for the bank’s credit card portfolios.

“We are pleased to expand our partnership with Laurentian Bank,” says Peter Harrington, President, Latin America and Canada, First Data International. “They have been our client since 2000, and this contract extension is proof of Laurentian’s trust in our ability to continually meet their evolving needs.”

Laurentian operates the third largest branch network in Quebec. The bank has more than 3,200 employees, 158 bank branches, 29 commercial banking centers and 14 brokerage offices, and is dedicated to meeting the financial needs of its clients through the excellence of its service, simplicity and proximity.

First Data has provided card processing services in Canada since 2000 and currently processes accounts on behalf of leading card issuers in the region.