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Global Payments Moves Closer to Worldpay Takeover After UK and EU Clearance
The reshaping of the payments sector has taken another step forward. Global Payments is moving closer to completing its planned acquisition of Worldpay after regulators in the United Kingdom and the European Union examined the transaction and found no competition concerns. The series of decisions gives the company momentum in a process that began in April and aims to close in 2026.
This development marks one of the most significant consolidation moves in global payments processing in recent years. The deal, valued at roughly $24 billion depending on final calculations, ties together two firms with deep roots in merchant services during a time when demand for digital transactions rises across industries, including fintech. Each approval carries weight because the companies operate across dozens of markets and serve millions of businesses.
A Landmark Deal Takes Shape
Global Payments announced its agreement on April 17 to acquire Worldpay from FIS and private equity firm GTCR. As part of the structure, Global Payments will also divest its issuer solutions division to FIS for $13.5 billion. The shift reflects an effort to become a pure-play merchant services provider. The company has been refining its strategy for several years, selling non-core businesses while focusing on products that support merchants of all sizes.
Executives at Global Payments stressed that the combination with Worldpay would strengthen its position in online commerce and enterprise-scale transactions. They pointed to the potential for a stronger presence in both physical and digital environments, drawing on Worldpay’s history in e-commerce and Global’s network among small and mid-sized businesses. When completed, the merged operation expects to serve more than six million merchants and process about 94 billion transactions each year across over 175 countries.
These ambitions fit with the broader pattern of consolidation among payment processors. Companies in this field face rising costs associated with technology integration, regulatory compliance, and cross-border operations. Large-scale mergers can offer efficiency and allow them to reach clients more effectively. The expected revenue of about $12.5 billion and adjusted core earnings of $6.5 billion illustrate the scale Global Payments aims to achieve.
UK Approval Strengthens the Path Forward
The first major regulatory breakthrough came in the United Kingdom. On October 22, the Competition and Markets Authority completed its initial review of the acquisition and concluded it would not weaken competition. This decision followed a review that began in September after the April announcement. The CMA evaluated how the deal might affect card-acquiring services, merchant support functions, and the broader ecosystem for digital commerce within the UK.
The regulator’s decision carries significance because both companies have long-standing operations in the region. The CMA confirmed that the transaction would not restrict opportunities for rival providers. It also recognized that Global Payments’ divestiture of its issuer solutions business to FIS remained subject to a separate review.
After the CMA’s conclusion, the companies moved forward without the risk of a Phase II investigation, which often brings delays and greater scrutiny. The green light from the UK allowed Global Payments to focus on the more extensive review underway in the European Union.
EU Review Reaches a Similar Conclusion
The European Commission officially began its assessment on October 27. The case entered Phase I under EU merger-control rules, giving the Commission until December 1 to decide whether a deeper inquiry was necessary. This review involved examining potential effects on businesses that rely on card-acquiring services, payment gateways, and broader merchant solutions across the European Economic Area.
On December 2, regulators delivered a decision mirroring the UK’s position. According to the Commission, the merger does not present concerns for competition. The review found that the overlap between the companies’ activities did not pose risks for merchants or payment partners across the region. The Commission noted that the combined presence of the firms would not reduce access or choice for businesses seeking payment processing providers.
The EU’s approval removed the last major regulatory question for the acquisition. It gives Global Payments and Worldpay clearance to move toward completion within the planned timeline, which targets the first half of 2026.
A Move That Reflects Changing Pressures in Payments
The transaction arrives at a time when global payments processing continues to evolve. Merchant expectations have shifted toward systems that handle higher volumes, deliver real-time analytics, and support online and in-person commerce. Large processors face pressure to offer integrated platforms that work across regions and support multiple currencies, settlement types, and security standards. The competition is intense, with established players and emerging fintech firms racing to provide faster and more efficient services.
Global Payments has emphasized that the acquisition will bring together complementary strengths. Worldpay’s long-standing role in enterprise e-commerce aligns with Global Payments’ reach among smaller merchants. By integrating these capabilities, the company expects to provide stronger support for businesses that must manage diverse transaction flows.
The broader payments sector has seen similar moves. Mergers allow companies to scale technology investments and meet higher demands for reliability. As digital transactions surge, the firms that handle the infrastructure behind them must adapt quickly. Regulatory approvals suggest that authorities view this deal as one that will not limit competition, even as it creates one of the largest payment-processing groups in the world.
FIS, GTCR, and the Financial Structure Behind the Deal
The transaction involves multiple parties and reflects a complex exchange of assets. FIS will receive the issuer solutions business from Global Payments and also transfer its 45 percent stake in Worldpay. GTCR, which acquired a majority position in Worldpay less than two years ago, will sell its share to Global Payments and receive cash along with stock. After closing, GTCR will hold a 15 percent stake in Global Payments.
This structure allows Global Payments to simplify its focus on merchant services. It also gives FIS a stronger position in serving financial institutions, while allowing GTCR to crystallize gains from its investment. Analysts noted that the deal followed conversations between the CEOs of Global Payments, FIS, and Worldpay, who explored ways to create value for each organization.
It marks the most substantial strategic step Global Payments has taken since acquiring TSYS in 2019 for more than $21 billion. Analysts interpreted the move as a necessary adjustment for a company facing slower organic growth in some areas and a need to strengthen its long-term direction.
What Comes Next
With key regulatory approvals in hand, Global Payments now prepares for the final stages of the process. The company expects to close the acquisition in early 2026, pending routine conditions. Work will focus on integration planning, customer communication, and the coordination required for merging two businesses with extensive international operations.
The payments industry will watch how this consolidation influences competition and innovation. Larger firms often have greater capacity to invest in cybersecurity, cross-border expansion, and data services. Smaller providers may respond by deepening their specializations or forming partnerships. For merchants, the impact will depend on how effectively the new Global Payments–Worldpay entity delivers technology upgrades and maintains service quality.
The deal stands as one of the defining transactions in the current phase of digital commerce. With approvals from the UK and EU, Global Payments has cleared major hurdles. The next chapter will unfold as the company integrates Worldpay and competes in a field where reliability, reach, and technological depth continue to decide the winners.
