European Businesses Reclaim Control of Indirect Purchasing

Jan de Vries · 2026-05-29

### A New Partnership for Smarter Spending AirPlus International and Kresus Technologies have teamed up with Mastercard to help European businesses take back control of their indirect purchasing. This collaboration aims to simplify how companies manage everything from office supplies to travel expenses. It's a big deal because indirect spend often slips through the cracks, costing firms more than they realize. Think about it: you're focused on your core product, not the paperclips or software subscriptions. But those small costs add up fast. This partnership gives businesses a clearer view of where their money goes, so they can make smarter decisions. ### What Is Indirect Purchasing, Really? Indirect purchasing covers all the stuff you buy that isn't directly tied to making your product. Things like: - Office furniture and equipment - Software licenses and cloud services - Travel and accommodation - Marketing materials These expenses can eat up 20 to 40 percent of a company's budget. Without a solid system, it's easy to overspend or miss opportunities to negotiate better deals. That's where AirPlus and Kresus come in.  ### How the Solution Works AirPlus brings its expertise in payment solutions, while Kresus offers a platform that tracks and manages spending. Together with Mastercard's network, they create a seamless way to control indirect purchases. Businesses get real-time data, better reporting, and tools to set spending limits. For example, a company can issue virtual cards to employees for specific categories. Each card has a cap, so no one goes over budget. Managers see everything in one dashboard, making it simple to spot trends or unusual charges. ### Why This Matters for European Companies European businesses face unique challenges when it comes to procurement. Different countries have different tax rules, currencies, and regulations. This partnership addresses that complexity by offering a unified solution that works across borders. "We're giving companies the visibility they need," says a spokesperson from AirPlus. "It's not just about cutting costs. It's about making every dollar count." ### Real Benefits You Can See Here's what this means for your bottom line: - **Better control**: Set rules for what can be bought and by whom. - **Less waste**: Stop paying for things you don't need. - **Faster approvals**: Automate routine requests so you can focus on bigger tasks. - **Clearer insights**: See exactly where money is flowing, down to the last cent. ### The Bottom Line This collaboration isn't just another fintech announcement. It's a practical tool for companies that want to stop leaking money through unmanaged spending. Whether you run a small startup or a large enterprise, having a grip on indirect purchases can free up cash for growth. So if you've ever felt like your company's spending is a bit chaotic, this partnership might be worth watching. It's about time someone made indirect purchasing easier to handle.