Shift4 Payments Acquires Global Blue for $2.5B

Shift4 Payments has announced a $2.5 billion acquisition of Global Blue Group, a move aimed at enhancing its payment processing capabilities and expanding its global reach. The deal, which comes with a cash offer of $7.50 per share, represents a 15% premium over Global Blue's recent closing price and has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards. Despite reporting stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings, Shift4's shares fell by 10% in aftermarket trading, while Global Blue’s shares surged over 18%. The acquisition is expected to close by the third quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and other conditions, and will allow Shift4 to leverage Global Blue’s technology in tax-free shopping and cross-border payments. Current Global Blue shareholders Ant International and Tencent Holdings plan to remain investors in the combined entity and seek strategic partnerships to enhance e-commerce offerings. Shift4 aims to create a global leader in commerce technology with this acquisition, which will integrate Global Blue's services with its own payment platform.