First Data : Named #1 Employer for Veterans and Military Spouses by Military Times Magazine

NEW YORK, MAY 15, 2017 -First Data (NYSE: FDC), a global leader in commerce-enabling technology, was recognized as the #1 company on the Military Times annual 'Best for Vets: Employers 2017' list. Military Times bases its annual rankings on veteran employee onboarding processes, company training, Guard and Reserve member policies, and military spouse support. In 2015, First Data debuted at number 18 on the list of 74 companies.

'This is a tremendous honor for First Data and reflects the significant commitment we have made to support our nation's service members and military families,' said Frank Bisignano, Chairman and CEO of First Data. 'Our hiring efforts have placed veterans and military spouses at every level of the company, and we work tirelessly to support veteran-owned businesses through innovative tools to help these business owners thrive long after returning home from service.'

'The Best for Vets designation and logo cannot be bought. Only earned,' said George Altman, the Military Times editor in charge of the rankings. 'The companies on the Military Times Best for Vets list earned their rankings through determined efforts to recruit and support service members, veterans and military families. These efforts deserve recognition from the country and should get the attention of veterans looking for a new career.'

First Data's veteran initiative is centralized under First Data Salutes, an enterprise-wide approach that includes recruiting and hiring veterans and military spouses. As part of the program, First Data has implemented a series of new recruitment and employee experience processes, increasing the number of veteran and military spouse hires by more than 10 percent. First Data has an affinity group to support military-affiliated employees which has grown 450% since its debut in 2014.

First Data Salutes also focuses on supporting veteran entrepreneurship goals through providing veteran-owned businesses with best-in-class payment technology. In partnership with the Institute for Veterans and Military Families at Syracuse University (IVMF), First Data launched the Coalition for Veteran Owned Business (CVOB) and Center of Excellent for Veteran Entrepreneurship (COE) to support veteran and military spouse entrepreneurs. The CVOB is comprised of industry leaders who are committed to offering innovative solutions, thought leadership, and a national platform to support military spouse and veteran-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and suppliers. The COE provides resources to advance entrepreneurial opportunities for transitioning service members, veterans, and their families.

Last year, First Data also began partnering with the New York Mets to sponsor the 'veteran of the game.' At each home game, a Mets player presents a veteran with an American flag that flew over Citi Field while a video showcasing the soldier's achievements is played. The initiative is one of the many ways First Data works to support veterans both inside and outside of the office.

In addition to the Military Times accolade, First Data was recently #3 on DiversityInc's 2017 'Best Company for Veterans' list. The company was also recognized as the '2016 Outstanding Large Employer of the Year' by Disabled American Veterans.

About First Data

First Data (NYSE: FDC) is a global leader in commerce-enabling technology and solutions, serving approximately six million business locations and 4,000 financial institutions in more than 100 countries around the world. The company's 24,000 owner-associates are dedicated to helping companies, from start-ups to the world's largest corporations, conduct commerce every day by securing and processing more than 2,800 transactions per second and $2.2 trillion per year.

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