GTCR to Sell Worldpay to Global Payments in $24.25 Billion Three-Way Deal

In a strategic transaction that reshapes the global payments landscape, private equity firm GTCR has announced the signing of a definitive agreement to sell Worldpay to Global Payments for $24.25 billion. The deal forms part of a broader three-way transaction involving Global Payments and FIS, with significant implications across the financial services and payments sectors.

As per the agreement, Global Payments will acquire Worldpay—currently jointly owned by GTCR and FIS—for a mix of cash and stock. In parallel, FIS will purchase Global Payments’ Issuer Solutions business at a valuation of $13.5 billion. Upon completion, GTCR is expected to receive 59% of its consideration in cash and 41% in stock, retaining a 15% ownership stake in the combined entity.

Strategic Vision and Leadership Behind Worldpay’s Growth

GTCR had initially acquired a 55% stake in Worldpay from FIS in July 2023, partnering with Charles Drucker, a seasoned industry executive, to revitalise the business. Under Drucker’s leadership, Worldpay underwent a successful transformation, marked by strategic investments in modern technology, global processing capabilities, and new fraud prevention tools. These efforts supported accelerated organic growth and elevated Worldpay’s position in the international payments ecosystem.

GTCR’s leadership described the collaboration with Drucker as an example of its Leaders Strategy™ model—combining visionary management with value-driven transformation. The firm credited the Worldpay management team, FIS, and internal collaborators for executing a complex carve-out and reestablishing Worldpay as a high-growth, innovation-led entity.

Looking ahead, GTCR plans to remain involved as a strategic partner, contributing to the integration and future development of the combined Worldpay–Global Payments business. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. Both the sale of Worldpay and the acquisition of Issuer Solutions are cross-conditioned and will conclude simultaneously.

With this move, GTCR reinforces its long-standing investment thesis in the payments sector, continuing to back scalable innovation and executive-led growth in a rapidly evolving industry.