Belgium-based online payment processing services provider Ogone Payment Services has opened an office in the US, thus opening European e-commerce markets to US companies. In addition, the company has appointed James Byler as the regional manager for North America.

Apart from enabling US-based companies to sell online or via mobile devices across European markets, Byler will also focus on establishing local partnerships to further Ogone’s distribution network in the US.

Online sales across European markets are expected to increase by 16.1 percent in 2012, reaching EUR 232.76 billion, as compared to the US online sales which are growing only by 9 percent y-o-y and are expected to account for USD 242 billion, according to a study released by Centre for Retail Research.

Currently, Ogone enables more than 35,000 customers to operate internationally in 45 countries using its connections via certified links with over 200 different banks and acquirers. The company is able to handle international payments as well as local payment methods, such as ELV and giropay in Germany, Carte Bleue in France, iDeal and Machtigingen in the Netherlands, Bancontact/Mister Cash in Belgium and local payment methods in India and the Middle East.

In 2011, Ogone entered the Indian market by acquiring EBS (E-Billing Solutions), the second largest online payment provider in India.