In a landmark reshuffling of the global payments industry, Global Payments has struck a $22.7 billion deal to acquire Worldpay from private equity group GTRC and FIS, while simultaneously agreeing to divest its Issuer Solutions unit to FIS for $13.5 billion.
The acquisition of Worldpay will dramatically expand Global Payments‘ reach, combining merchant and software solutions to serve over six million customers and powering roughly 94 billion transactions worth $3.7 trillion annually across more than 175 countries. Global Payments describes the acquisition as a highly complementary fit, enhancing its position as a premier merchant solutions provider.
At the same time, offloading the Issuer Solutions business will streamline Global Payments’ focus into a pure-play merchant-centric operation. “The acquisition of Worldpay and divestiture of Issuer Solutions further sharpen our strategic focus,” said Cameron Bready, CEO of Global Payments. “We emerge as a simplified, scaled player with deeper capabilities and greater market access.”
The other side of the equation sees FIS reclaiming full ownership of Issuer Solutions—a move that enhances its offerings across credit processing, fraud prevention, loyalty programs, and more. FIS had previously sold a 45% stake in Worldpay to GTRC at an $18.5 billion valuation in 2022.
With the Issuer Solutions acquisition, FIS will pay a net price of $12 billion to Global Payments, plus an additional $1.5 billion in anticipated net present value of tax assets. “This is a strategic and accretive transaction,” said FIS CEO Stephanie Ferris. “It strengthens our payment suite and deepens relationships with financial institutions and corporate clients.”
The dual deals are expected to close in the first half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.