Worldpay

Country: United Kingdom

Region: London

Investors: Advent International, Bain Capital

When Advent International and Bain Capital carved out Worldpay from RBS in 2010, the company had strong customer heritage, global scale and a first mover position in e-commerce, but it needed a new strategic direction and significant investment to improve its technology and customer offering.

The private equity firms separated the business from its parent, in what was a highly complex process, helped management redefine Worldpay’s strategy, assisted with seven acquisitions and supported a significant technology investment programme. As a result, earnings grew 11% a year between 2012 and 2014. Worldpay went public in October 2015 with a market capitalisation of £4.8bn, making it the UK's fourth largest IPO ever. Worldpay was subsequently sold to Fidelity National Information Services in 2019, in a deal worth $43bn.

Ron Kalifa

Deputy Chairman - Worldpay

Independence and private ownership allowed us to become a global leader in payments through long-term investment in our technology, our people and our business.

2,500

jobs created 2010-2015

>£1bn

investment in tech, M&A, people & products

What did the business need?

Assistance with separation from former parent RBS
Investment and expertise to develop technology
Strategic input to define a clear mission and broaden the product offering
Preparation for transition to public market ownership

How did private equity backing create lasting value?

Separated the business from its parent, creating an independent technology platform
Established a strategic blueprint for each division
Supported around £400m investment in new technology; invested around £300 in seven strategic acquisitions
Created new organisational structure and hired industry-leading talent to company and board
Supported product innovation