Fast Lane: Heartland Makes a Play for Lunch Money

Heartland Payment Systems has bought a piece of the school lunch business. The Nassau Street-based company, one of the country’s largest payment processors, has purchased Louisiana-based MCS software, which provides point-of-sale systems and online payment services for 4,000 K-12 schools nationwide.
 The acquisition adds to Heartland’s position in the school lunch business, which already accounts for about 35 percent of public schools nationwide, about 34,000 in total.


“MCS Software is an important addition to our School Solutions business,” said Michael Lawler, president of Heartland’s strategic markets group. “Our latest acquisition in this growing industry further enhances our market-leading position, adding both an outstanding software product to our current platforms and a substantial nationwide customer base. We also have a significant opportunity to expand and improve upon the school payments solutions offered to parents and children in current MCS school districts.”

Heartland’s online payment software lets parents pay for activities and other school fees in addition to meals.
Heartland Payment Systems (HPY), 90 Nassau Street, Third Floor, Princeton 08542; 888-798-3131; fax, 609-683-3815. Robert Carr, CEO. www.heartlandpaymentsystems.com.