Western Union has taken of 451st position in the rating Fortune 500 in 2009, having moved from 473rd line in 2008. Western Union offers one of the easiest ways for families and friends to send money and stay connected almost anywhere in the world. Leaving the idea of expansion into Europe, Western Union took up the expansion of services in the U.S. market. The Western Union Company is a leader in global payment services In 1879 Western Union left the telephone business after losing a lawsuit against Alexander Graham Bell - the patent holder on the phone.