Western Union says it ended Intermex deal over state rules

Western Union says it has terminated its agreement to acquire International Money Express (Intermex), citing final conditions from California regulators that it says would require significant changes to its business model, agent relationships and long-term strategy. Intermex disputes the termination, saying it met its obligations and remains ready to complete the merger; it has demanded that Western Union proceed and says it may seek specific performance and substantial damages. Western Union said California did not identify compliance failures involving fraud prevention, money laundering or fair customer access, and that the deal could not be completed on terms it considered acceptable.