GTCR Completes the Historic Sale of Worldpay to Global Payments Successfully

GTCR’s Successful Sale of Worldpay to Global Payments

On January 12, 2026, GTCR, the prominent private equity firm, announced the completion of its sale of Worldpay, a global leader in merchant acquiring and payment processing, to Global Payments (NYSE: GPN). This significant transaction, said to be one of the most considerable strategic sales in the private equity sphere, reflects GTCR's strategic vision and the potential for future growth in the payments industry.

This deal, valued at approximately $24.25 billion, was initially agreed upon in April 2025, where it was decided that Global Payments would acquire Worldpay from GTCR and FIS (NYSE: FIS). As part of this transaction, FIS simultaneously agreed to acquire Global Payments' Issuer Solutions business. Notably, GTCR will also retain around 15% of Global Payments' equity, enabling them to remain integrated in the value creation and growth trajectory of the merged entity.

GTCR had acquired a majority stake in Worldpay back in July 2023, partnering with the seasoned CEO Charles Drucker under their Leaders Strategy™. The focus was on accelerating growth and enhancing operational efficiencies. The collaborative efforts between GTCR, Drucker, and Worldpay's leadership have fostered a smooth transition away from FIS, culminating in a successful strategic transformation centered on technological advancements, product enhancement, and operational excellence.

Collin Roche, Co-CEO and Managing Director at GTCR, noted, "Our partnership with CEO Charles Drucker and the Worldpay team over the last two years exemplifies the benefits of our Leaders Strategy™ approach. We are excited to continue our support in nurturing the growth of the combined business and its evolution as a key player globally in payments technology."

CEO Charles Drucker expressed his pride in the merger, stating that joining Global Payments marks a pivotal milestone in Worldpay's journey, signifying a reinforced commitment to innovation and collaborative growth. The synergy created in this transaction not only broadens Worldpay's global processing capabilities but introduces innovative payment solutions to the market, strengthening its competitive stance.

The transaction underlines GTCR's longstanding success and expertise within the payments sector. "The tireless efforts behind this closing reflect the diligent work of many key players, including Worldpay's leadership team, FIS, and Global Payments, showcasing GTCR's effective approach in executing complex corporate separations to create enduring value for stakeholders," commented KJ McConnell, Managing Director at GTCR.

Advisory Parties
Wells Fargo and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC acted as the financial advisors for Worldpay, while major law firms like Kirkland & Ellis LLP provided essential legal guidance, along with others for regulatory counsel.

About GTCR
Founded in 1980, GTCR is renowned for its Leaders Strategy™, focusing on investing in market-leading companies across sectors such as Business and Consumer Services, Financial Services Technology, and more. Over the years, GTCR has invested upwards of $30 billion in about 300 companies, currently managing an estimated $50 billion in equity capital. For more details, visit GTCR's website.

About Worldpay
Worldpay stands as a leading entity in the payments technology domain, offering solutions that empower omni-commerce across the globe, processing over 55 billion transactions annually across 174 countries. This expertise positions Worldpay as a vital player in enhancing payment processing efficiency and security for businesses globally. For more insights, you can explore Worldpay's offerings.

In conclusion, the integration of Worldpay into Global Payments heralds a new era characterized by growth and enhanced service offerings in the payments landscape, showcasing GTCR’s adeptness in orchestrating transformative changes within high-stakes industries.