Simpson Thacher is representing Global Blue (NYSE: GB), the leading specialty payments and technology platform enabling tax-free shopping, dynamic currency conversion and payments solutions to the world’s largest retail brands, in connection with its agreement to be acquired by Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR). The transaction values Global Blue at approximately $2.5 billion enterprise value.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Shift4 intends to acquire Global Blue for $7.50 per common share in cash through a tender offer and a subsequent statutory squeeze-out merger. Upon completion of the transaction, Global Blue’s common and preferred stock will no longer be listed on any public stock exchange.
The acquisition has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of Shift4 and Global Blue. It is expected to close by the third quarter of calendar year 2025, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals, other customary closing conditions, and a minimum tender of at least 90% of Global Blue’s issued and outstanding common shares and preferred shares on a combined basis.
The Simpson Thacher team includes Elizabeth Cooper, Mark Viera, Theresa Scharff, Daniel Kim, Kimberly Guo, Michel Stuebi and Alexandria Vasques (M&A); Chris Vallance, Nishita Vasan and Jason Yue (U.K. M&A); Russell Light and Matthew Lester (Tax); Tristan Brown and Courtney Thomson (ECEB); Hui Lin, Jessica Asrat and Christopher Flynn (Capital Markets); Catherine Burns, Shahpur Kabraji, Dorothy Hector and Harry Briffitt (Banking and Credit); Étienne Renaudeau, Henry Llewellyn and Luke Cowdell (Antitrust); Lori Lesser and Christian Bond (Intellectual Property); Dennis Loiacono (Real Estate); and James Rapp (PCAP). Chris May provided valuable assistance.