Press release

epay sets new standards when it comes to changing network operators: the software for the more than 6,000 terminals in the dm stores could be replaced during ongoing operations. 

Martinsried (Munich) / 29. April, 2025

epay is expanding its partnership with dm-drogerie markt and creating a first in the process. The leading full-service payment provider and part of Euronet Worldwide, Inc. (NASDAQ: EEFT) is dm’s new network operator and will take over the processing of several hundred million card transactions in Germany with immediate effect. For the change of network operator, epay worked with dm to implement the necessary software upgrade on more than 6,000 terminals in over 2,000 dm stores in Germany. The special thing about this is that the software was replaced while the payment terminals were in operation, without the need to replace or send in the devices. Thanks to close and personal cooperation, the network operator change was successfully completed.  

The partnership between epay and dm has existed since 2005. Among other things, the specialist for payment processing and prepaid solutions implements the prepaid phone card and voucher card offers in dm stores. It also processes QR payment transactions (e.g. Alipay) and third-party sales of the dm voucher card. With the successful completion of the software exchange project and the associated change of network operator, this cooperation will be intensified. epay continues to successfully position itself as a full-service provider that offers dm everything from a single source in the area of payment processing. The aim of the software swap (the so-called change of network operator key) was to set up all terminals in such a way that epay, as the new network operator, can take over the processing of transactions. The process of replacing the software during ongoing operations is a first in the industry:  

“When the network operator changes, the hardware usually has to be sent in and the software then reinstalled or the devices even have to be completely replaced. Together with the device manufacturers and dm, we have developed a process that converts the terminals to our software in the shortest possible time and without friction during ongoing store operations. We are very pleased that we can deepen our partnership with dm with an innovative approach,” explains

Dr. Markus Landrock,
Managing Director epay DACH Global Issuing, Payments & Rewards epay.

Cost and resource savings for the merchant 

epay has developed a process that makes the network operator change flexible: The software can be replaced by employees at the checkout, by technical specialists from the retailer (this solution was preferred by dm) or by epay technicians. The terminals in the dm stores were first reset to factory settings via a maintenance call so that the new software could then be installed. This innovative approach enabled all terminals to be equipped with a new network operator key (including security certificates and all regulatory requirements) in a few weeks only. This approach offers considerable advantages for retailers, as no new hardware needs to be rolled out and the logistical effort is minimized. This saves costs and reduces the workload considerably. The software replacement was initially tested in a pilot project in 50 dm stores, before being rolled out to all dm stores. 

“Changing network operator is a far-reaching decision. With epay, we are relying on a proven partner that guarantees efficient and smooth processes throughout the entire process chain, as well as high service quality and fast implementation,” emphasizes

Martin Dallmeier,
Managing Director Finance + Controlling at dm.

Close supervision and support as success factors

Together with the dm teams, epay closely supported the exchange process: From personal contacts and specialists from the specialist departments, mobile teams, hotline support with a dedicated service team, a ticket system for the targeted processing of inquiries, a dedicated retailer portal, online configurations in the Terminal Management System (TMS) to video instructions and real-time dashboards for a process overview – epay ensured that the switch went smoothly for everyone involved. “This process can also be transferred to other retail companies. It is particularly worthwhile for those retailers who have their own up-to-date hardware and are thinking about changing network operator,” says Dr. Markus Landrock from epay.

More information: https://epay.de/en/payment/

About epay

epay, a business segment of Euronet (NASDAQ: EEFT), is a leading global provider of payment processing and prepaid products and solutions. The company has built an extensive network of retail contact points in 64 countries, connecting brands with consumers around the world. The company offers a broad portfolio of services, products and solutions that support the distribution of payment, branded payments and mobile for more than 1,000 brand partners via commerce, e-commerce and m-commerce. As an end-to-end solution provider, epay delivers the technology and infrastructure to enable better payment solutions for partners and their customers worldwide. www.epayworldwide.com 

About dm-drogerie markt

More than 60,300 people work at dm-drogerie markt in around 2,140 stores in Germany. In the past financial year, the dm consortium generated sales of 12.47 billion euros. In 2024, customers once again voted dm the most popular drugstore in the Kundenmonitor consumer survey. In the nationwide employee survey conducted by stern magazine and the online market research platform Statista on “Germany’s Top Employers 2025”, dm was voted number one. dm is constantly working to live up to its responsibility for sustainable development. This commitment was recognized in 2023 with the German Sustainability Award in the category “Company: Consumer Goods Retail 2024” with first place. 

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Press contact

presse@epay.de 

dm-pressestelle@arthen-kommunikation.de  

Press picture:  

credits: dm-drogerie markt 

Photograph: Sebastian Heck