In a monumental shift within the fintech landscape, Global Payments has announced a blockbuster deal to acquire Worldpay from Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) and private equity firm GTCR for a staggering $24.25 billion. This transaction marks a significant strategic pivot for Global Payments as it aims to enhance its core payment services and position itself as a leading player in the global payment processing market.
On April 17, 2025, Global Payments revealed its plan to acquire a 55% stake in Worldpay from GTCR and the remaining 45% from FIS, which has been a significant player in the payments sector. The deal is designed to streamline Global Payments’ operations and solidify its focus on merchant services, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as larger corporations.
“Today’s announcement is a significant win for all companies involved and one that will benefit clients and consumers,” said Stephanie Ferris, CEO of FIS, during an investor conference call. She expressed excitement about the partnership with Global Payments moving forward.
As part of the deal, Global Payments will also divest its Issuer Solutions business, previously known as TSYS, to FIS for $13.5 billion. This move allows Global Payments to concentrate on its core competencies in payment processing while enhancing FIS’s capabilities in the banking sector.
The combined entity resulting from the acquisition will boast a customer base exceeding 6 million, processing approximately 94 billion transactions and generating around $3.7 trillion in annual payment volume across more than 175 countries. This merger is expected to create one of the most comprehensive platforms for e-commerce and enterprise customers globally.
Despite the promising outlook, the announcement was met with mixed reactions in the stock market. Shares of Global Payments tumbled by 17% on the day of the announcement, reflecting investor concerns about the company's ability to integrate such a massive acquisition. In stark contrast, FIS shares increased by nearly 7%, suggesting a more favorable reception to the deal from its investors.
Global Payments has faced challenges in recent years, with its stock down nearly 40% in 2025 alone. Analysts have pointed to a lack of strategic direction and uninspiring organic revenue growth as factors contributing to the company’s struggles. William Blair analyst Andrew Jeffrey characterized the transaction as a “bold step for Global management — and long overdue,” indicating that the merger could provide the necessary strategic coherence the company has been lacking.
The deal also represents a complete exit for FIS from the merchant services sector, a space it has been involved in for years. FIS had acquired Worldpay in 2019 for $43 billion, but the competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since then, with new fintech players emerging and traditional financial services firms adapting to the changing environment.
In a strategic move, FIS will receive shares of Global Payments valued at $97 each, which will grant GTCR a nearly 15% ownership interest in the newly combined company, valued at approximately $21 billion. This arrangement reflects a premium of about 15% over Global Payments’ closing price prior to the announcement.
Global Payments plans to finance the acquisition through a combination of proceeds from the Issuer Solutions sale, cash on hand, and a substantial $7.7 billion debt issuance. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
“This transaction provides us with one of the world’s most feature-rich platforms to support e-commerce and enterprise customers,” said Cameron Bready, CEO of Global Payments. This sentiment underscores the company’s commitment to enhancing its service offerings and expanding its market reach.
The merger comes at a time when the payments processing industry is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing shift towards digital transactions and e-commerce. By combining forces with Worldpay, Global Payments aims to leverage its strengths in online and enterprise transactions, creating a more robust service for its diverse clientele.
As the fintech landscape continues to evolve, this merger could set a precedent for future transactions within the sector. With FIS focusing on its banking solutions and Global Payments sharpening its merchant services, both companies are positioning themselves to thrive in a competitive market.
In summary, the acquisition of Worldpay by Global Payments represents a significant milestone in the fintech industry, with the potential to reshape the competitive dynamics of payment processing on a global scale. As the deal progresses towards completion, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the integration process and its implications for both companies and their customers.
