Private equity firms CD&R and GTCR have reportedly put their pursuit of payments processor Global Payments on hold.
The firms examined a potential acquisition of the company in recent weeks. However, the early-stage discussions did not advance due to the difficulties of arranging a take-private transaction of this size, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the matter.
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CD&R and GTCR could return to discussions with Global Payments at a later date, the sources further told the news agency. Another potential buyer could also emerge.
Atlanta-based Global Payments has a market capitalisation of approximately $26.4bn. The company provides payment-processing services that enable merchants to accept card and digital payments. It also supplies software and technology services to businesses.
Global Payments has faced pressure in recent years from slower growth across some business lines, increased competition, and investor calls to improve profitability.
The company has also been changing its business portfolio. In April 2025, Global Payments agreed to acquire Worldpay from FIS and GTCR in a transaction valued at more than $24bn. At the same time, Global Payments agreed to sell its issuer-solutions business to FIS.
Reuters said that an acquisition of Global Payments would have been among the largest private equity deals considered this year.
The report comes days after Western Union abandoned its planned acquisition of International Money Express (Intermex) after failing to secure a key regulatory approval in California.
A consortium comprising Advent International and Stripe also discontinued its pursuit of PayPal earlier this year after submitting an offer valuing the business at more than $53bn.
