Due to regulatory requirements and consumer demand in Germany and France, MoneyGram opened company stores in both countries. After the correction of tariffs, volumes of MoneyGram transfers increased by 30%. In due time MoneyGram separated from the Western Union and became an independent brand. Around the world, MoneyGram is working with leading financial institutions. Money orders and official checks by MoneyGram continue their steady performance and expanded line of bill payment services deliver excellent results. Until 2004, the owners of MoneyGram were Viad Corp and Travelers Express Company Inc. Money transfer wired system MoneyGram offers annually U.S. $ 500,000 in grants to charitable organizations to support education programs in developing countries.