Shift4’s Bold Move: Acquiring Global Blue in a $2.5 Billion Strategic Deal
Shift4, a leading integrated payments and commerce technology company based in Allentown, Pennsylvania, has announced an exciting new development in the payments industry. The company has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Global Blue, a specialized payments and technology platform headquartered in Switzerland.
Details of the Acquisition
In a strategic move, Shift4 will purchase Global Blue for US$7.50 per common share in cash, which represents a 15% premium over Global Blue’s closing share price as of February 14, 2025. This acquisition has an estimated enterprise value of approximately US$2.5 billion.
Statements from Leadership
Shift4 President, Taylor Lauber, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “This acquisition continues a bold tradition of introducing transformative capabilities to exceptional customers along with a massive embedded cross-sell opportunity. It fits perfectly in the Shift4 playbook: delivering an enormous volume conversion opportunity while unlocking significant new revenue opportunities and capabilities that open entirely new markets for us.”
Benefits of the Acquisition
The integration of Global Blue’s merchant solutions into Shift4’s global payments platform is set to enhance the end-to-end experience for merchants. Here are some key benefits of this acquisition:
- Improved customer experience with unified payment solutions.
- Access to new revenue streams and market opportunities.
- Enhanced cross-selling opportunities.
- Strengthened global presence in the payments industry.
Partnerships and Future Collaborations
As part of the transaction, two significant shareholders of Global Blue, Ant International and Tencent, plan to remain investors in the combined entity. They are also exploring strategic partnerships with Shift4, aiming to build upon their existing relationship and collaborate on global e-commerce payment solutions, including the distribution of:
Transaction Process and Timeline
Shift4 will acquire Global Blue through a tender offer and subsequent statutory squeeze-out merger. Upon completion, Global Blue’s common and preferred stock will no longer be publicly listed. Warrant holders will have the opportunity to exercise their warrants ahead of their maturity in August 2025.
Approval and Financing
The acquisition has received unanimous approval from the boards of directors of both companies and is expected to close by the third quarter of 2025. This timeline is contingent upon regulatory approvals, customary closing conditions, and a minimum tender of at least 90% of Global Blue’s issued and outstanding common and preferred shares. Notably, certain shareholders, owning approximately 90% of Global Blue’s shares, have entered into tender and support agreements to facilitate the transaction.
To finance the acquisition, Shift4 plans to utilize cash on hand along with a US$1.795 billion, 364-day bridge loan facility secured in connection with the deal.
For more information about Shift4 and its innovative solutions, visit their official website.
This acquisition marks a significant step forward for Shift4, enhancing its position as a top unified commerce payment provider worldwide.
