BROOKFIELD, Wis. — On the same day that Fiserv Inc. announcedthat it had completed its largest acquisition yet, the company saidone of its co-founders was retiring in a matter of days.

Norm Balthasar, senior executive vice president and chiefoperating officer, will step down on Dec. 31 after 33 years withthe company and its predecessor. He will stay on in an advisorycapacity until mid-2008 to help with the management transition andwith the integration of CheckFree Corp. into Fiserv.

Balthasar was a member of the original management team whenFiserv was founded in 1984 and helped oversee its growth from $21million in revenue and 300 clients to 21,000 clients and $4.4billion in annual revenue today.

Balthasar originally worked with Sunshine State Systems, whichlater became Fiserv Tampa, and served in various leadership roles,including the current job he assumed in 2002.

“Based on the success that Fiserv has enjoyed, I have beenfortunate to be part of something very special,” Balthasar said.“My greatest joy has been the opportunity to work along side somany wonderful people. I will miss them all very much.”

Fiserv President/CEO Jeffery Yabuki said, “Norm has a greatcombination of business knowledge and acumen, which has served uswell. His passion and commitment will be greatly missed. We wishhim and his entire family all the best in this next chapter of hislife.”

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