GTCR announced it has closed the previously announced sale of Worldpay to Global Payments in a three-way transaction that also includes FIS, marking what the firm described as one of the largest strategic sales in private equity history.
Under a definitive agreement signed in April 2025, Global Payments agreed to acquire Worldpay from GTCR and FIS for $24.25 billion in cash and stock, while FIS simultaneously agreed to acquire Global Payments’ Issuer Solutions business. Following the closing, GTCR will own shares representing about 15% of Global Payments’ equity capitalization, positioning the firm to participate in value creation tied to synergy delivery and growth at the combined company.
GTCR acquired a majority stake in Worldpay in July 2023 from FIS through its Leaders Strategy partnership with CEO Charles Drucker, aiming to re-accelerate growth. GTCR said it worked with Drucker and Worldpay’s leadership team on a transition from FIS and a broader transformation focused on technology investment, product and service enhancements, and operational improvements.
Support: Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley served as financial advisors to Worldpay. Kirkland & Ellis provided legal counsel, with Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider and Paul Hastings serving as regulatory counsel.
KEY QUOTES:
“Our partnership with CEO Charles Drucker and the Worldpay team over the last two years illustrates the value of our Leaders Strategy™ approach and expertise executing complex transactions to drive transformational change and growth in businesses of all sizes. We look forward to continuing to participate in the growth and success of the combined business and supporting its ongoing evolution as a leader in payments and payments technology worldwide.”
Collin Roche, Co-CEO and Managing Director, GTCR
“The closing of this transaction marks an important milestone as Worldpay joins Global Payments, advancing a shared commitment to innovation across the combined business. Working in close collaborative partnership with GTCR and through the tremendous efforts of our talented Worldpay colleagues, we were able to significantly expand our global processing capabilities and bring new payment innovations to market. These collective efforts have strengthened Worldpay’s competitive position, accelerated growth, and created a differentiated platform for continued success in the marketplace. I’m immensely proud of all that we have accomplished together.”
Charles Drucker, CEO, Worldpay
“We have tremendous confidence in the future of the combined business, including its ability to compete and deliver value in the payments and payment technology market. This transaction reflects the hard work and collaboration of all parties involved – we deeply appreciate the leadership from Charles and the Worldpay team, as well as the partnership with FIS, that made this successful outcome possible.”
Aaron Cohen, Managing Director and Head of Financial Services & Technology, GTCR
“Today’s closing represents the tireless work of many parties, including Worldpay’s leadership team, FIS, and Global Payments. This complex carveout and successful transformation of Worldpay over the past two years underscores GTCR’s longstanding track record in the payments industry and our ability to execute complex corporate separations to unlock meaningful, lasting value for stakeholders. This transaction is a powerful example of our Leaders Strategy™ in action – identifying exceptional opportunities and working in partnership with management to drive transformative growth.”
KJ McConnell, Managing Director, GTCR
