1. Formation of the Entity and Basis of Presentation

The Western Union Company (“Western Union” or the “Company”) is a leader in global money transfer, providing people with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send money around the world. The Western Union^® brand is globally recognized. The Company’s services are available through a network of agent locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Each location in the Company’s agent network is capable of providing one or more of the Company’s services.

The Western Union business consists of the following segments:

All businesses that have not been classified into the consumer-to-consumer or consumer-to-business segments are reported as “Other” and include the Company’s money order and prepaid services businesses. The Company’s money orders are issued by Integrated Payment Systems Inc. (“IPS”), a subsidiary of First Data Corporation (“First Data”), to consumers at retail locations primarily in the United States and Canada. See Note 7, “Investment Securities” for discussion regarding the agreement executed between the Company and IPS on July 18, 2008 whereby the Company will assume the responsibility for issuing money orders effective October 1, 2009. Western Union also markets a Western Union branded prepaid MasterCard^® card, a Western Union branded prepaid Visa^® card, and provides top-up services for third parties that allow consumers to pay in advance for mobile phone and other services.

There are legal or regulatory limitations on transferring certain assets of the Company outside of the countries where these assets are located, or which constitute undistributed earnings of affiliates of the Company accounted for under the equity method of accounting. However, there are generally no limitations on the use of these assets within those countries. As of December 31, 2008, the amount of net assets subject to these limitations totaled approximately $193 million.

Various aspects of the Company’s services and businesses are subject to United States federal, state and local regulation, as well as regulation by foreign jurisdictions, including certain banking and other financial services regulations.

Spin-off from First Data

On January 26, 2006, the First Data Board of Directors announced its intention to pursue the distribution of 100% of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses and its interest in a Western Union money transfer agent, as well as related assets, including real estate, through a tax-free distribution to First Data shareholders (the “Separation” or “Spin-off”). Effective on September 29, 2006, First Data completed the separation and the distribution of these businesses by distributing The Western Union Company common stock to First Data shareholders (the “Distribution”). Prior to the Distribution, the Company had been a segment of First Data.

In connection with the Spin-off, the Company reported a $4.1 billion dividend to First Data in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ (deficiency)/equity/net investment in The Western Union Company, consisting of the issuance of $3.4 billion in debt and a cash payment to First Data of $100.0 million. The remaining dividend was comprised of cash, consideration for an ownership interest held by a First Data subsidiary in a Western Union agent which had already been reflected as part of the Company, settlement of net intercompany receivables (exclusive of certain intercompany notes as described in the following paragraph), and transfers of certain liabilities, net of assets. Since the amount of the dividend exceeded the historical cost of the Company’s net assets at the time of the Spin-off, a capital deficiency resulted.

The Company also settled certain intercompany notes receivable and payable with First Data along with related interest and currency swap agreements associated with such notes as part of the Spin-off. The net settlement of the principal and related swaps resulted in a net cash inflow of $724.0 million to the Company’s cash flows from financing activities. The net settlement of interest on such notes receivable and payable of $40.7 million was reflected in cash flows from operating activities in the Company’s Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

As part of the Spin-off, the Company also executed several non-cash transactions, including the issuance of $1.0 billion in notes to First Data in partial consideration for the contribution by First Data to the Company of its money transfer and consumer payments businesses (Note 15). The Company did not receive any proceeds from the subsequent private offering of the notes. In addition, First Data transferred to the Company its headquarters in Englewood, Colorado and certain other fixed assets with a net book value of $66.5 million, the Company transferred to First Data certain investments with a net book value of $20.9 million, and reclassified certain tax and employee-related obligations from intercompany liabilities totaling $193.8 million. First Data also distributed 765.3 million shares of Western Union’s common stock to holders of First Data common stock.

Basis of Presentation

The financial statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for periods ending on or after the Distribution are presented on a consolidated basis and include the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned subsidiaries. The financial statements for the period presented prior to the Distribution are presented on a combined basis and represent those entities that were ultimately transferred to the Company as part of the Spin-off. The assets and liabilities presented have been reflected on a historical basis, as prior to the Distribution such assets and liabilities presented were 100% owned by First Data. The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2006 includes expense allocations for certain corporate functions historically provided to Western Union by First Data, including treasury, tax, accounting and reporting, mergers and acquisitions, risk management, legal, internal audit, procurement, human resources, investor relations and information technology. If possible, these allocations were made on a specific identification basis. Otherwise, the expenses related to services provided to Western Union by First Data were allocated to Western Union based on the relative percentages, as compared to First Data’s other businesses, of headcount or other appropriate methods depending on the nature of each item of cost to be allocated. However, the financial statements for the period presented prior to the Distribution do not include all of the actual expenses that would have been incurred had Western Union been a stand-alone entity during the period presented and do not reflect Western Union’s combined results of operations and cash flows had Western Union been a stand-alone company during the period presented.

All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.

Consistent with industry practice, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are unclassified due to the short-term nature of Western Union’s settlement obligations contrasted with the Company’s ability to invest cash awaiting settlement in long-term investment securities.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

Western Union consolidates financial results when it will absorb a majority of an entity’s expected losses or residual returns or when it has the ability to exert control over the entity. Control is normally established when ownership interests exceed 50% in an entity. However, when Western Union does not have the ability to exercise control over a majority-owned entity as a result of other investors having contractual rights over the management and operations of the entity, it accounts for the entity under the equity method. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, there were no greater-than-50%-owned affiliates whose financial statements were not consolidated. Western Union utilizes the equity method of accounting when it is able to exercise significant influence over the entity’s operations, which generally occurs when Western Union has an ownership interest of between 20% and 50% in an entity.

Restructuring and Related Expenses

The Company records severance-related expenses once they are both probable and estimable in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 112, “Employers’ Accounting for Post-Employment Benefits” for severance provided under an ongoing benefit arrangement. One-time, involuntary benefit arrangements and other exit costs are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities.” Costs arising under the Company’s defined benefit pension plans from curtailing future service of employees participating in the plans and providing enhanced benefits are accounted for under the provisions of SFAS No. 88, “Employers’ Accounting for Settlements and Curtailments of Defined Benefit Pension Plans and for Termination Benefits.” The Company also evaluates impairment issues associated with restructuring activities under the provisions of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” Restructuring and related expenses consist of direct and incremental costs associated with restructuring and related activities, including severance, outplacement and other employee related benefits; facility closure and migration of the Company’s IT infrastructure; other expenses related to relocation of various operations to existing Company facilities and third-party providers, including hiring, training, relocation, travel and professional fees. Also included in facility closure expenses are non-cash expenses related to fixed asset and leasehold improvement write-offs and acceleration of depreciation and amortization. For more information on the Company’s restructuring and related expenses see Note 3, “Restructuring and Related Expenses.”

Earnings Per Share

The calculation of basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Prior to September 29, 2006, all outstanding shares of Western Union were owned by First Data. Accordingly, for the period prior to the completion of the Distribution on September 29, 2006, basic and diluted earnings per share are computed using Western Union’s shares outstanding as of that date. Unvested shares of restricted stock are excluded from basic shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share subsequent to September 29, 2006 reflects the potential dilution that could occur if outstanding stock options at the presented date are exercised and shares of restricted stock have vested, using the treasury stock method. The treasury stock method assumes proceeds from the exercise price of stock options, the unamortized compensation expense and assumed tax benefits of options and restricted stock are available to acquire shares at an average price throughout the year, and therefore, reduce the dilutive effect throughout the year.

As of December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, there were 8.0 million, 10.4 million and 4.9 million, respectively, outstanding options to purchase shares of Western Union stock excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation under the treasury stock method as their effect was anti-dilutive. Prior to the September 29, 2006 spin-off date, there were no potentially dilutive instruments outstanding. Of the 43.6 million outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock of the Company, approximately 47% are held by employees of First Data.

The following table provides the calculation of diluted weighted-average shares outstanding, and only considers the potential dilution for stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units for the periods subsequent to the spin-off date of September 29, 2006 (in millions):

Fair Value Measurements

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company determines the fair market values of its financial assets and liabilities, as well as non-financial assets and liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis, based on the fair value hierarchy established in SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value.

Pursuant to the Financial Accounting Standards Boards (“FASB”) Staff Position No. 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157” (“FSB No. 157-2”), the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for certain non-financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value but are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a non-recurring basis has been deferred to fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The Company is primarily impacted by this deferral as it relates to non-financial assets and liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination (but not measured at fair value in subsequent periods) and fair value measurements in impairment testing. The Company will adopt these remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 effective January 1, 2009. The Company does not expect the impact to be significant on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

Except as it pertains to an investment redemption discussed in Note 9, carrying amounts for Western Union financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, settlement cash and cash equivalents, settlement receivables, settlement obligations, borrowings under the commercial paper program and other short-term notes payable, approximate fair value due to their short maturities. Investment securities, included in settlement assets, and derivative financial instruments are carried at fair value and included in Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements.” Fixed and floating rate notes are carried at their discounted notional amounts, except for portions of notes hedged by interest rate swap agreements as disclosed in Note 14. The fair market values of fixed and floating rate notes are also disclosed in Note 15 and are based on market quotations.

For more information on the fair value of financial instruments see Note 8, “Fair Value Measurements.”

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Highly liquid investments (other than those included in settlement assets) with maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase (that are readily convertible to cash), are considered to be cash equivalents and are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

Western Union maintains cash and cash equivalent balances with various financial institutions, including a substantial portion in money market funds. Western Union limits the concentration of its cash and cash equivalents with any one institution; however, such balances often exceed United States federal deposit insurance limits. Western Union regularly reviews investment concentrations and credit worthiness of these institutions, and has relationships with a globally diversified list of banks and financial institutions.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Western Union records an allowance for doubtful accounts when it is probable that the related receivable balance will not be collected based on its history of collection experience, known collection issues, such as agent suspensions and bankruptcies, and other matters the Company identifies in its routine collection monitoring. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $21.6 million and $13.8 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and is recorded in the same Consolidated Balance Sheet caption as the related receivable. During the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the provision for doubtful accounts reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income was $26.6 million, $23.5 million and $24.4 million, respectively.

Settlement Assets and Obligations

Settlement assets represent funds received or to be received from agents for unsettled money transfers and consumer payments. Western Union records corresponding settlement obligations relating to amounts payable under money transfer and payment service arrangements.

Settlement assets consist of cash and cash equivalents, receivables from selling agents and investment securities. Cash received by Western Union agents generally becomes available to Western Union within one week after initial receipt by the agent. Cash equivalents consist of short-term time deposits, commercial paper and other highly liquid investments. Receivables from selling agents represent funds collected by such agents, but in transit to Western Union. Western Union has a large and diverse agent base, thereby reducing the credit risk of the Company from any one agent. In addition, Western Union performs ongoing credit evaluations of its agents’ financial condition and credit worthiness. See Note 7 for information concerning the Company’s investment securities.

Settlement obligations consist of money transfer and payment service payables and payables to agents. Money transfer payables represent amounts to be paid to transferees when they request their funds. Most agents typically settle with transferees first and then obtain reimbursement from Western Union. Due to the agent funding and settlement process, payables to agents represent amounts due to agents for money transfers that have been settled with transferees. Payment service payables represent amounts to be paid to utility companies, auto finance companies, mortgage servicers, financial service providers, government agencies and others.

Settlement assets and obligations are comprised of the following (in millions):

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost, except for acquired assets which are recorded at fair market value under purchase accounting rules. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated life of the related assets (generally three to 10 years for equipment, furniture and fixtures, and 30 years for buildings) or the lease term. Maintenance and repairs, which do not extend the useful life of the respective assets, are charged to expense as incurred.

Property and equipment consists of the following (in millions):

Amounts charged to expense for depreciation of property and equipment were $61.7 million, $49.1 million and $34.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Deferred Customer Set Up Costs

The Company capitalizes direct incremental costs not to exceed related deferred revenues associated with the enrollment of customers in the Equity Accelerator program, a service that allows consumers to complete automated clearing house (“ACH”) transactions to make recurring mortgage payments. Deferred customer set up costs, included in “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, are amortized to “Cost of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Income over the length of the customer’s expected participation in the program, generally five to seven years. Actual customer attrition data is assessed at least annually and the amortization period is adjusted prospectively.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of tangible and other intangible assets acquired, less liabilities assumed arising from business combinations. The Company’s annual goodwill impairment test did not identify any goodwill impairment during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets primarily consist of contract costs (primarily amounts paid to agents in connection with establishing and renewing long-term contracts) and software. Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over the length of the contract or benefit periods. Included in “Cost of services” in the Consolidated Statements of Income is amortization expense of approximately $82.3 million, $74.8 million and $68.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.

The Company capitalizes initial payments for new and renewed agent contracts to the extent recoverable through future operations, contractual minimums and/or penalties in the case of early termination. The Company’s accounting policy is to limit the amount of capitalized costs for a given contract to the lesser of the estimated future cash flows from the contract or the termination fees the Company would receive in the event of early termination of the contract.

The Company develops software that is used in providing services. Software development costs are capitalized once technological feasibility of the software has been established. Costs incurred prior to establishing technological feasibility are expensed as incurred. Technological feasibility is established when the Company has completed all planning and designing activities that are necessary to determine that a product can be produced to meet its design specifications, including functions, features and technical performance requirements. Capitalization of costs ceases when the product is available for general use. Software development costs and purchased software are generally amortized over a term of three to five years.

The following table provides the components of other intangible assets (in millions):

The estimated future aggregate amortization expense for existing other intangible assets as of December 31, 2008 is expected to be $81.6 million in 2009, $72.9 million in 2010, $59.9 million in 2011, $39.4 million in 2012, $26.8 million in 2013 and $70.0 million thereafter.

Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment on an annual basis and whenever events indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. In such reviews, estimated undiscounted cash flows associated with these assets or operations are compared with their carrying values to determine if a write-down to fair value (normally measured by the present value technique) is required. Western Union did not record any impairment related to other intangible assets during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are primarily derived from consumer money transfer transaction fees that are based on the principal amount of the money transfer and the locations from and to which funds are transferred. Consumer money transfer transaction fees are set by the Company and recorded as revenue at the time of sale. In certain consumer money transfer transactions involving different send and receive currencies, the Company generates revenue based on the difference between the exchange rate set by Western Union to the consumer and the rate at which Western Union or its agents are able to acquire currency. This foreign exchange revenue is recorded at the time the related transaction fee revenue is recognized.

The Company also offers several consumer-to-business payment services, including payments from consumers to billers. Revenues for these services are primarily derived from transaction fees, which are recorded as revenue when payments are sent to the intended recipients.

The Company’s Equity Accelerator service requires a consumer to pay an upfront enrollment fee to participate in this mortgage payment service. These enrollment fees are deferred and recognized into income over the length of the customer’s expected participation in the program, generally five to seven years. Actual customer attrition data is assessed at least annually and the period over which revenue is recognized is adjusted prospectively. Many factors impact the duration of the expected customer relationship, including interest rates, refinance activity and trends in consumer behavior.

The Company sells money orders issued by IPS under the Western Union brand and manages the agent network through which such money orders are sold. Western Union recognizes monthly commissions from IPS based on a fixed investment yield on the average investable balance resulting from the sale of money orders. Western Union also recognizes transaction fees collected from the Company’s agents at the time a money order is issued to the consumer. See Note 7, “Investment Securities” for discussion regarding the agreement executed between the Company and IPS on July 18, 2008 whereby the Company will assume the responsibility for issuing money orders effective October 1, 2009.

Loyalty Program

Western Union operates a loyalty program which consists of points that are awarded to program participants. Such points may be redeemed for either a discount on future money transfers or merchandise. The Company estimates the distribution between awards of merchandise and discounts based on recent redemption history and trends, measured on a quarterly basis. Revenue is deferred for the portion of points expected to be ultimately redeemed for discounts in a manner that reflects the consumer’s progress toward earning such discounts. Costs associated with the redemption of merchandise are reflected in operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Cost of Services

Cost of services primarily consists of agent commissions and expenses for call centers, settlement operations, and related information technology costs. Expenses within these functions include personnel, software, equipment, telecommunications, bank fees, depreciation and amortization and other expenses incurred in connection with providing money transfer and other payment services.

Advertising Costs

Advertising costs are charged to operating expenses as incurred or at the time the advertising first takes place. Advertising costs for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $247.1 million, $264.2 million and $261.4 million, respectively.

Income Taxes

For periods subsequent to the Spin-off, Western Union files its own United States federal and state income tax returns. Western Union files its own separate tax returns in foreign jurisdictions for periods prior to and subsequent to the Spin-off, and foreign taxes are paid in each respective jurisdiction locally.

Prior to the Spin-off, Western Union’s taxable income was included in the consolidated United States federal income tax return of First Data and also in a number of state income tax returns filed with First Data on a combined or unitary basis. Western Union’s provision for income taxes was computed as if it were a separate tax-paying entity for periods prior to the Spin-off, and federal and state income taxes payable were remitted to First Data prior to the Spin-off.

Western Union accounts for income taxes under the liability method, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be determined based on the expected future income tax consequences of events that have been recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), on January 1, 2007. FIN 48 addresses the determination of how tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return should be recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Under FIN 48, the Company recognizes the tax benefits from an uncertain tax position only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. As a result of the implementation of FIN 48, the Company recognized an increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits plus associated accrued interest and penalties of $0.6 million, which was accounted for as a reduction to the January 1, 2007 balance of retained earnings.

Foreign Currency Translation

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for all of Western Union’s businesses except certain investments and subsidiaries located primarily in Ireland, Argentina and Peru. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities for those entities for which the local currency is the functional currency are translated into United States dollars based on exchange rates prevailing at the end of the period. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the period. The effects of foreign exchange gains and losses arising from the translation of assets and liabilities of those entities where the functional currency is not the United States dollar are included as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss.” Foreign currency translation gains and losses on assets and liabilities of foreign operations in which the United States dollar is the functional currency are recognized in operations.

Derivatives

Western Union utilizes derivatives to mitigate foreign currency and interest rate risk. The Company recognizes all derivatives in the “Other assets” and “Other liabilities” captions in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. All cash flows associated with derivatives are included in cash flows from operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows other than those previously designated as cash flow hedges that were determined to not qualify for hedge accounting as described in Note 14.

The Company also had certain other foreign currency swap arrangements with First Data, prior to September 29, 2006, to mitigate the foreign exchange impact on certain euro denominated notes receivable with First Data. These foreign currency swaps did not qualify for hedge accounting and, accordingly, the fair value changes of these agreements were reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income as “Foreign exchange effect on notes receivable from First Data, net.” The fair value of these swaps were settled in cash along with the related notes receivable in connection with the Spin-off.

The fair value of the Company’s derivatives is derived from standardized models that use market based inputs (e.g., forward prices for foreign currency).

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company currently has a stock-based compensation plan that provides for the granting of Western Union stock options, restricted stock awards and restricted stock units to employees and other key individuals who perform services for the Company. In addition, the Company has a stock-based compensation plan that provides for grants of Western Union stock options and stock unit awards to non-employee directors of the Company. Prior to the Spin-off, employees of Western Union participated in First Data’s stock-based compensation plans.

All stock-based compensation to employees is required to be measured at fair value and expensed over the requisite service period and also requires an estimate of forfeitures when calculating compensation expense. The Company recognizes compensation expense on awards on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Refer to Note 16 for additional discussion regarding details of the Company’s stock-based compensation plans.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of SFAS No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 is required for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008 and early adoption is permitted. SFAS No. 161 requires additional disclosures about how and why the companies use derivatives, how derivatives and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133, and how derivatives and related hedged items affect a company’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. The Company’s derivative disclosures already incorporate many of the provisions outlined in SFAS No. 161. Accordingly, the Company does not expect that the adoption of this pronouncement in 2009 will have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141R, “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141R”). This statement establishes a framework to disclose and account for business combinations. The adoption of the requirements of SFAS No. 141R applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be early adopted. The impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 141R will depend upon the nature and terms of business combinations that the Company consummates on or after January 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). The statement establishes accounting and reporting standards for a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary. The adoption of the requirements of SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2008 and may not be early adopted. The Company does not expect the impact of the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to be significant on the financial position, results of operations and cash flows, as the Company’s current non-controlling interests are immaterial.

3. Restructuring and Related Expenses

Missouri and Texas Closures

On February 25, 2008, the Company decided to pursue decision bargaining negotiations with our union employees regarding the possible closure of the Company’s facilities in Missouri and Texas. On March 14, 2008, the Company announced its decision to close substantially all of its facilities in Missouri and Texas and enter into effects bargaining with the union regarding severance and other benefits for the approximately 650 affected union employees, responsible for performing certain call center, settlement and operational accounting functions. On May 29, 2008, the Company and the union entered into a Memorandum of Agreement which resolved the effects of the restructuring decisions on the affected union employees and concluded that the Company’s collective bargaining agreement with the union would not be renewed. The decision also resulted in the elimination of certain management positions in these same facilities. The Company completed the transition of these operations to existing Company facilities and third-party providers during the fourth quarter of 2008.

In conjunction with the decision, the Company incurred severance and employee related benefit expenses for all union and certain affected management employees, facility closure expenses and other expenses associated with the relocation of these operations to existing Company facilities and third-party providers, including costs related to hiring, training, relocation, travel and professional fees. Included in the facility closure expenses are non-cash expenses related to fixed asset and leasehold improvement write-offs and acceleration of depreciation and amortization.

Other Reorganizations

During 2008, in addition to the Missouri and Texas closures, the Company restructured some of its operations and relocated or eliminated certain shared service and call center positions. The relocated positions were moved to the Company’s existing facilities or outsourced service providers. The Company has incurred all of the expenses related to these reorganization activities during 2008 and expects substantially all remaining accruals, primarily related to severance for terminated employees, to be paid in 2009.

Activity

The following table summarizes the activity for the restructuring and related expenses discussed above and the related restructuring accruals for the year ended December 31, 2008 (in millions):

Restructuring and related expenses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows (in millions):

While these items are identifiable to the Company’s segments, these expenses have been excluded from the measurement of segment operating profit provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) for purposes of assessing segment performance and decision making with respect to resource allocation. Of the Company’s total restructuring and related expenses of $82.9 million, $56.1 million, $23.4 million and $3.4 million are attributable to the Company’s consumer-to-consumer, consumer-to-business and other segments, respectively.

4. Acquisitions

In December 2008, the Company acquired 80% of its existing money transfer agent in Peru for a purchase price of $35.0 million. The aggregate consideration paid was $29.7 million, net of a holdback reserve of $3.0 million. The Company acquired cash of $2.3 million as part of the acquisition. The $3.0 million holdback reserve will be paid in annual $1.0 million increments beginning December 2009, subject to the terms of the agreement. The results of operations of the acquiree have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in $10.1 million of identifiable intangible assets, a significant portion of which were attributable to the acquiree’s network of subagents. The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over three to 10 years and goodwill of $24.8 million was recorded, which is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change after the valuation of identifiable assets and certain other assets and liabilities is finalized. In addition, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining 20% of the money transfer agent and the money transfer agent has the option to sell the remaining 20% to the Company within 12 months after December 2013 at fair value.

On August 1, 2008, the Company acquired the money transfer assets from its existing money transfer agent in Panama for a purchase price of $18.3 million. The consideration paid was $14.3 million, net of a holdback reserve of $4.0 million. The $4.0 million holdback reserve is scheduled to be paid $0.5 million, $1.2 million, $1.2 million and $1.1 million in February 2009, August 2009, August 2010 and August 2011, respectively, subject to the terms of the agreement. The results of operations of the acquiree have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The preliminary purchase price allocation resulted in $5.6 million of identifiable intangible assets, a significant portion of which were attributable to the acquiree’s network of subagents. The identifiable intangible assets are being amortized over three to seven years and goodwill of $14.2 million was recorded, which is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The purchase price allocation is preliminary and subject to change after the valuation of identifiable assets and certain other assets and liabilities is finalized.

In October 2007, the Company entered into agreements totaling $18.3 million to convert its non-participating interest in an agent in Singapore to a fully participating 49% equity interest and to extend the agent relationship at more favorable commission rates to Western Union. As a result, the Company earns a pro-rata share of profits and has enhanced voting rights. The Company also has the right to add additional agent relationships in Singapore. In addition, in October 2007, the Company completed an agreement to acquire a 25% ownership interest in an agent in Jamaica and to extend the term of the agent relationship for $29.0 million. The aggregate consideration paid resulted in $20.2 million of identifiable intangible assets, including capitalized contract costs, which are being amortized over seven to 10 years. Western Union’s investments in these agents are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

In December 2006, the Company acquired Servicio Electronico de Pago S.A. and related entities (“SEPSA”), which operates under the brand name Pago Fácil^SM, for a total purchase price of $69.8 million, less cash acquired of $3.0 million. Pago Fácil provides consumer-to-business payments and prepaid mobile phone top-up services in Argentina. Previously, the Company held a 25% interest in Pago Fácil, which was treated as an equity method investment. As a result of acquiring the additional 75% ownership, the Company’s entire investment in and results of operations of Pago Fácil have been included in the consolidated financial statements since the acquisition date. The purchase price allocation resulted in $28.1 million of identifiable intangible assets, a significant portion of which were attributable to the Pago Fácil service mark and acquired agent and biller relationships. The identifiable intangible assets were calculated based on the additional 75% ownership interest acquired, and are being amortized over two to 25 years. After adjusting the additional acquired net assets to fair value, goodwill of $44.5 million was recorded, substantially all of which is eligible for amortization for tax purposes across various jurisdictions.

The pro forma impact of all acquisitions on net income in 2008, 2007 and 2006 was immaterial.

The following table presents changes to goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 (in millions):

5. Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions with First Data

The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2006 prior to the Spin-off includes expense allocations for certain corporate functions historically provided to Western Union by First Data. If possible, these allocations were made on a specific identification basis. Otherwise, the expenses related to services provided to Western Union by First Data were allocated to Western Union based on relative percentages, as compared to First Data’s other businesses, of headcount or other appropriate methods depending on the nature of each item or cost to be allocated.

Charges for functions historically provided to Western Union by First Data are primarily attributable to First Data’s performance of many shared services that the Company utilized prior to the Spin-off. First Data continued to provide certain of these services subsequent to the Spin-off through a transition services agreement until September 29, 2007. In addition, prior to the Spin-off, the Company participated in certain First Data insurance, benefit and incentive plans, and it received services directly related to the operations of its businesses such as call center services, credit card processing, printing and mailing. The Consolidated Statement of Income reflects charges incurred prior to the Spin-off from First Data and its affiliates for these services of $152.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. Included in these charges are amounts recognized for stock-based compensation expense, as well as net periodic benefit income associated with the Company’s pension plans.

Included in “Interest income from First Data, net” in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended December 31, 2006 was interest income of $37.4 million earned on notes receivable from First Data subsidiaries and interest expense of $1.7 million incurred on notes payable to First Data which were settled in connection with the Spin-off. Certain of the notes receivable were euro denominated, and as such, the Company had related foreign currency swap agreements to mitigate the foreign exchange impact to the Company on such notes. Included in “Foreign exchange effect on notes receivable from First Data, net” in the Consolidated Statement of Income during the year ended December 31, 2006 are foreign exchange gains of $10.1 million from the revaluation of these euro denominated notes receivable and related foreign currency swap agreements.

During the period from January 1, 2006 through September 29, 2006, the Company recognized commission revenues from a First Data subsidiary in connection with its money order business of $23.6 million. Subsequent to the Spin-off, the Company continues to recognize commission revenue from this First Data subsidiary.

Other Related Party Transactions

The Company has ownership interests in certain of its agents accounted for under the equity method of accounting. The Company pays these agents, as it does its other agents, commissions for money transfer and other services provided on the Company’s behalf. Commissions paid to these agents for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $305.9 million, $256.6 million and $212.2 million, respectively. For those agents where an ownership interest was acquired during the year, only amounts paid subsequent to the investment date have been reflected as a related party transaction.

6. Commitments and Contingencies

In the normal course of business, Western Union is subject to claims and litigation. Management of Western Union believes such matters involving a reasonably possible chance of loss will not, individually or in the aggregate, result in a material adverse effect on Western Union’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows. Western Union accrues for loss contingencies as they become probable and estimable.

On September 25, 2008, the Company was served with a purported class action complaint alleging that Western Union willfully and negligently violated the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (“FACTA”) by providing debit and credit card expiration dates on electronically printed receipts for transactions initiated on the Company’s website. On November 12, 2008, the Company received notification that the class action complaint was voluntarily dismissed.

The Company has $77.0 million in outstanding letters of credit and bank guarantees at December 31, 2008 with expiration dates through 2015, certain of which contain a one-year renewal option. The letters of credit and bank guarantees are primarily held in connection with lease arrangements and certain agent agreements. The Company expects to renew the letters of credit and bank guarantees prior to expiration in most circumstances.

Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement with First Data in connection with the Spin-off (see Note 1), First Data and the Company are each liable for, and agreed to perform, all liabilities with respect to their respective businesses. In addition, the separation and distribution agreement also provides for cross-indemnities principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of the Company’s business with the Company and financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of First Data’s retained businesses with First Data. The Company also entered into a tax allocation agreement that sets forth the rights and obligations of First Data and the Company with respect to taxes imposed on their respective businesses both prior to and after the Spin-off as well as potential tax obligations for which the Company may be liable in conjunction with the Spin-off (see Note 10).

7. Investment Securities

Investment securities, classified within “Settlement assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, consist primarily of high-quality state and municipal debt instruments. Substantially all of the Company’s investment securities were marketable securities during all periods presented. The Company is required to maintain specific high-quality, investment grade securities and such investments are restricted to satisfy outstanding settlement obligations in accordance with applicable state regulations. Western Union does not hold financial instruments for trading purposes. All investment securities are classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. Investment securities are exposed to market risk due to changes in interest rates and credit risk. Western Union regularly monitors credit risk and attempts to mitigate its exposure by making high-quality investments. At December 31, 2008, the significant majority of the Company’s investment securities had credit ratings of “AA-” or better from a major credit rating agency.

Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, net of related deferred taxes. Proceeds from the sale and maturity of available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 were $2,811.5 million, $177.7 million and $62.6 million, respectively.

During 2008, the Company increased its investment securities primarily through the addition of various state and municipal variable rate demand note securities which can be put (sold at par) typically on a daily basis with settlement periods ranging from the same day to one week, but that have maturity dates ranging from 2012 to 2046. Generally, these securities are used by the Company for short-term liquidity needs and are held for short periods of time, typically less than 30 days. As a result, this has increased the frequency of purchases and proceeds received by the Company. At December 31, 2008, 53% of the Company’s investments in state and municipal debt securities were variable rate demand notes and the remainder are fixed rate securities.

Gains and losses on investments are calculated using the specific-identification method and are recognized during the period the investment is sold or when an investment experiences an other-than-temporary decline in value below cost or amortized cost. When an investment is deemed to have an other-than-temporary decline in value it is reduced to its fair value, which becomes the new cost basis of the investment. Western Union considers both qualitative and quantitative indicators when judging whether a decline in value of an investment is other-than-temporary in nature, including, but not limited to, the length of time the investment has been in an unrealized loss position, the significance of the unrealized loss relative to the carrying amount of the investment and our intent and ability to hold the investment until a forecasted recovery.

The components of investment securities, all of which are classified as available-for-sale, are as follows (in millions):

There were no investments with a single issuer or individual securities representing greater than 10% of total investment securities as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.

The following summarizes contractual maturities of investment securities as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):

Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay the obligations or the Company may have the right to put the obligation back to the issuer prior to its contractual maturity.

During the year ended December 31, 2008, the Company recognized an other-than-temporary impairment of $1.7 million on its preferred stock investments in the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, a government sponsored enterprise, and a realized loss of $2.9 million on the later sale of these investments during the year ended December 31, 2008, for a total impact of $4.6 million. As of December 31, 2008, the Company has no remaining investments in preferred stock of government sponsored enterprises.

On July 18, 2008, the Company entered into an agreement with IPS, a subsidiary of First Data, which modified the existing business relationship with respect to the issuance and processing of money orders. Under the terms of the agreement, beginning on October 1, 2009 (the “Transition Date”), IPS will assign and transfer to the Company certain operating assets used by IPS to issue money orders and an amount of cash sufficient to satisfy all outstanding money order liabilities. On the Transition Date, the Company will assume IPS’s role as issuer of the money orders, including its obligation to pay outstanding money orders, and will terminate the existing agreement whereby IPS pays Western Union a fixed return on the outstanding money order balances (which vary from day to day but approximate $800 million). Following the Transition Date, Western Union will invest the cash received from IPS in high-quality, investment grade securities in accordance with applicable regulations, which are the same as those currently governing the investment of the Company’s United States originated money transfer principal. In anticipation of the Company’s exposure to fluctuations in interest rates, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps on certain of its fixed rate notes. Through a combination of the revenue generated from these investment securities and the anticipated interest expense savings resulting from the interest rate swaps, the Company estimates that it should be able to retain subsequent to the Transition Date, on a pre-tax income basis through 2011, a comparable rate of return as it is receiving under its current agreement with IPS. Refer to Note 14 for additional information on the interest rate swaps.

Subsequent to the Transition Date, all revenue generated from the management of the investment portfolio will be retained by the Company and none will be shared with its agents. IPS will continue to provide to the Company clearing services necessary for payment of the money orders in exchange for the payment by the Company to IPS of a per-item administrative fee. The Company will no longer provide to IPS the services required under the original money order agreement or receive from IPS the fee for such services.

8. Fair Value Measurements

As discussed in Note 2, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 157 on January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. For additional information on how Western Union measures fair value, refer to Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.”

The following table reflects assets and liabilities that are measured and carried at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2008 (in millions):

9. Other Assets and Other Liabilities

The following table summarizes the components of other assets and other liabilities (in millions):

Receivable for securities sold

On September 15, 2008, Western Union requested redemption of its shares in the Reserve International Liquidity Fund, Ltd., a money market fund, (the “Fund”) totaling $298.1 million. The Company had not received any portion of the redemption payment prior to December 31, 2008, and accordingly, reclassified the total amount due from “Cash and cash equivalents” to “Other assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2008. At the time the redemption request was made, the Company was informed by the Reserve Management Company, the Fund’s investment advisor (the “Manager”), that the Company’s redemption trades would be honored at a $1.00 per share net asset value. On January 30, 2009, the Company received a partial distribution from the Fund of $193.6 million. The Company expects to receive the remaining payment based on the maturities of the underlying investments in the Fund and the status of the litigation process. The Company believes that due to uncertainty surrounding the outcome of litigation facing the Fund, as well as potential variability in the ultimate amount and related timing of the recovery of this balance, the fair value of this financial asset may be less than the related carrying value. There is a risk that the redemption process could be delayed and that the Company could receive less than the $1.00 per share net asset value should pro-rata distribution occur. Based on net asset information provided by the Fund, the Company’s exposure related to pro-rata distribution could be $12 million, excluding settlement costs incurred by the Fund. However, based on written and verbal representations from the Manager to date and the Company’s current legal position regarding the Company’s redemption priority, the Company believes that it is entitled to such funds, and is vigorously pursuing collection of the remaining distribution.

Amounts advanced to agents, net of discounts

From time to time, the Company makes advances and loans to agents. In 2006, the Company signed a six year agreement with one of its existing agents which included a four year loan of $140.0 million to the agent. The terms of the loan agreement require that a percentage of commissions earned by the agent (64% in 2009) be withheld by us as repayment of the loan and the agent remains obligated to repay the loan if commissions earned are not sufficient. The Company imputes interest on this below-market rate note receivable, and has recorded the note net of a discount of $3.0 million and $22.5 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The remaining loan receivable balance relating to this agent as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, net of discount, was $47.0 million and $67.5 million, respectively. Other advances and loans outstanding as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 were $22.3 million and $25.6 million, respectively.

10. Income Taxes

The components of pretax income, generally based on the jurisdiction of the legal entity, are as follows (in millions):

The provision for income taxes is as follows (in millions):