In a transaction announced in April 2025, Global Payments Inc. has agreed to acquire Worldpay for $24.25 billion, marking one of the most significant deals in the financial technology (fintech) industry. This strategic move involves a complex three-party arrangement among Global Payments, Fidelity National Information Services (FIS), and private equity firm GTCR, reflecting a broader trend of consolidation and strategic realignment within the payments sector.
Company Profiles
Global Payments Inc. is a leading provider of payment technology and software solutions, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company offers a comprehensive suite of services, including payment processing, point-of-sale solutions, and digital commerce platforms, serving merchants and financial institutions worldwide.
Worldpay, founded in 1971 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, is a prominent global payment processing company. It provides a range of services, including in-store, online, and mobile payment solutions, processing over $2.2 trillion in transactions annually across more than 146 countries and 135 currencies. As of 2023, Worldpay reported revenues of $4.9 billion and employed approximately 8,500 individuals.
Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) is a global leader in financial services technology, offering a wide array of solutions for banking, capital markets, and merchants. In 2019, FIS acquired Worldpay for approximately $43 billion, aiming to enhance its payment processing capabilities.
GTCR stands for Golder, Thoma, Cressey, Rauner — the last names of the firm’s founding partner. It is a Chicago-based private equity firm that was founded in 1980 and is known for its buy-and-build investment strategy. GTCR specializes in investing in growth-oriented companies in sectors such as:
- Financial services & technology
- Healthcare
- Information services & technology
- Growth business services
The firm typically partners with experienced management teams to acquire and grow businesses, often through follow-on acquisitions. GTCR has managed over $20 billion in equity capital and has a strong track record of creating value through strategic investments.
Deal Structure and Strategic Implications
The acquisition entails Global Payments purchasing a 55% stake in Worldpay from GTCR and the remaining 45% from FIS. Concurrently, FIS will acquire Global Payments’ Issuer Solutions division for $13.5 billion. This transaction is expected to close in early 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
GTCR, which acquired its majority stake in Worldpay in 2023 for approximately $18.5 billion, is poised to realize a substantial return on its investment. The private equity firm will receive 41% of its payment in Global Payments stock, resulting in a 15% ownership stake in the combined entity.
The combined company will serve over six million customers and process approximately $3.7 trillion in annual transactions across more than 175 countries
Industry Impact Analysis
This acquisition signifies a pivotal shift in the fintech industry, highlighting the increasing importance of scale and integrated solutions in the payments sector. By combining resources, Global Payments and Worldpay aim to enhance their global reach, streamline operations, and offer more comprehensive services to clients.
The deal also reflects a broader trend of consolidation among payment processors, driven by the need to invest in technology, navigate regulatory complexities, and meet evolving consumer expectations. As digital payments continue to proliferate, companies are seeking to bolster their capabilities through strategic acquisitions and partnerships.
Furthermore, the transaction underscores the dynamic nature of private equity involvement in the fintech space. GTCR’s profitable exit from Worldpay within a relatively short investment horizon exemplifies the potential for significant returns in this sector, albeit accompanied by inherent risks and market volatility.
Conclusion
Global Payments’ acquisition of Worldpay represents a strategic maneuver to consolidate market position, expand global operations, and enhance service offerings in the rapidly evolving fintech landscape. This deal not only reshapes the competitive dynamics of the payments industry but also sets a precedent for future mergers and acquisitions aimed at achieving scale and technological advancement.