Global Payments (NYSE:GPN), a leading worldwide provider of payment technology and software solutions, and TSYS (NYSE:TSS), a leading global payments provider offering innovative solutions across the issuing, merchant and consumer segments, announced today that they have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger of equals.

The transaction creates the premier payments technology company at scale in the largest and most attractive financial technology markets worldwide. Combined, Global Payments and TSYS will provide cutting edge payments and software solutions to approximately 3.5 million predominantly small to mid-sized (SMB) merchant locations and more than 1,300 financial institutions across more than 100 countries. TSYS will also substantially expand Global Payments’ e-commerce and omnichannel solutions presence in the United States and provide further opportunities for meaningful multinational omnichannel market share gains. Finally, Global Payments will have exposure to some of the fastest growing digital payments trends through TSYS’ issuer and consumer solutions businesses.

“The combination of Global Payments and TSYS establishes the leading pure play payments technology company with unparalleled vertical market and payment software capabilities and ecommerce and omnichannel solutions, operating at scale in fast growing markets globally,” said Jeff Sloan, Chief Executive Officer of Global Payments. “This transformative partnership accelerates our technology-enabled, software-driven payments strategy and provides exposure into attractive and complementary businesses, while enhancing our financial strength and flexibility.” Sloan continued, “We could not be more excited about the future as we bring together two industry leaders with strong businesses and cultures that will generate significant opportunities for our employees, customers, partners and shareholders worldwide.”

“In this exciting merger of equals, our new company will truly be a payments powerhouse that is perfectly poised to lead the industry in delivering merchant, issuer and consumer payments technology, solutions and service to our customers,” said M. Troy Woods, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of TSYS. “Our companies share common values, a strong culture of putting people first, and a relentless commitment to doing the right thing, making this combination the perfect fit. The entire TSYS team is proud to link arms with Global Payments, and we look forward to leading the market as the preeminent payment solutions provider.”

William I Jacobs, Chairman of Global Payments, said "It has been my honor to serve as Lead Director and then Chairman of Global Payments since its IPO in 2001. I am delighted with the agreed partnership with TSYS, which I believe combines the two best payments technology companies worldwide. Their future is very bright, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to their board."

The combined company is expected to have investment grade credit ratings immediately on closing based on its strong financial profile and free cash flow generation. Global Payments will maintain a disciplined, long-term focused capital allocation strategy that balances re-investment in the business and returns to shareholders, while maintaining an investment grade balance sheet and ensuring ample liquidity and financial flexibility.