Global Payments Inc.

Global Payments Inc.

Global Payments was formed in 2000 through the merger of National Processing and a division of First Data, later acquiring Heartland Payment Systems in 2016. The company operates as a payment technology firm rather than a family office or asset manager, focusing on acquiring and processing merchant transactions, issuing solutions, and software-enabled payments. The firm deploys capital through organic growth and strategic acquisitions, targeting integrated payments, e-commerce, and point-of-sale software. Notable deals include the $4.25 billion acquisition of Heartland Payment Systems in 2016 and the $21.5 billion acquisition of Total System Services (TSYS) in 2019. Its geographic footprint spans North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America, with operating segments in merchant solutions, issuer solutions, and business-to-business payments. The company employs over 24,000 people globally, with additional offices in Columbus, Georgia, and London. It maintains a philanthropic arm through the Global Payments Foundation, which supports financial literacy and education initiatives. A recent operational event occurred in March 2025 when the company announced a strategic partnership with Branch to expand embedded financial services for gig economy workers. A structural differentiator is Global Payments' distribution model: unlike pure processors, it embeds payment technology directly into software platforms used by merchants. This integrated approach creates recurring revenue streams and higher switching costs, making it distinct from commodity payment processors.