Due to regulatory requirements and consumer demand in Germany and France, MoneyGram opened company stores in both countries. The benefits of money transfers by MoneyGram: there is no need to open a checking account when implementing the transfer. Understanding that being in another country, you may not be fluent in the local language, that's why MoneyGram always tries to talk to you in your native language. In due time MoneyGram separated from the Western Union and became an independent brand. In 2011, a global network of agents of MoneyGram has grown up to 256 000 service points, thus its growth is 24% compared to the same period of the previous year. In MoneyGram were added or converted new currencies in an additional 29 countries during the past year, providing consumers with a wide array of currency payout options. Until 2004, the owners of MoneyGram were Viad Corp and Travelers Express Company Inc.