“This marks the largest acquisition in Shift4’s history and reinforces our track record of bold moves that expand our capabilities and deliver the most comprehensive commerce offering in the industry,” said Taylor Lauber, CEO of Shift4.
The strategic transaction will also bring Ant International and Tencent into the Shift4 ecosystem as strategic partners, enabling expanded distribution of e‑wallet capabilities such as Alipay+ and WeChat Pay to global merchants.
Global Blue’s business sits at the crossroads of luxury retail and international travel, with deep penetration in tax-free shopping and long-standing relationships with luxury retailers worldwide.
“This transaction is the most significant in our 26 years of history… the Global Blue technology stack, marquee customers and industry-leading position will serve as a cornerstone for our global expansion strategy,” added Lauber.
The acquisition was financed through a combination of cash on hand and a $1.8 billion 364‑day bridge loan facility.
Shift4 is a leading commerce technology company serving businesses across retail, hospitality, and entertainment. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, Shift4 powers modern payments and unified commerce for merchants globally.
Global Blue, headquartered in Switzerland, is a specialist in tax‑refund and currency‑conversion technology, empowering luxury and travel retailers worldwide with solutions spanning tax-free shopping and dynamic currency conversion.
