Bedford, N.S.-based payment processing startup SONA has been acquired by Nashville's Celero Commerce for an undisclosed sum.

Founded in 2016 and previously called SonaPay, SONA makes payment processing systems, including hardware and software, for businesses. Its product offerings include mobile payment processing, point of sale systems and cash advance services for merchants.

After the merger, Celero said in a statement it expects to process about US$26 billion of annual card volume. SONA, for its part, has just under 40 employees, according to LinkedIn data. Its client roster includes companies as varied as American auto maintenance chain Jiffy Lube and Halifax’s Sutton Realty Group.

“Since day one we have delivered pricing certainty, competitive rates and high-quality support to our customers,” said SONA founder Ryan O’Leary in a statement. “We take immense pride in being one of the most reputable brands in the Canadian payments’ ecosystem.

“We are excited to join the Celero team, enhancing the innovative and customer-centric technology and product solutions we provide our customers.”

Celero CEO Kevin Jones said his company wants SONA for its access to the Canadian market. Digital marketing assets uploaded by SONA last week stick to the company's existing branding, but with the addition of a "Powered by: Celero" tag.

“This acquisition provides a robust platform to bolster international growth through our core distribution channels,” he said. “These include partnerships with financial institutions and integration with business management software, which are vital in supporting the efficiency and scalability of small to mid-sized businesses.

“The alignment of our team cultures further fuels our enthusiasm for this partnership.”