Global Payments Inc., a leading provider of payment technology and software solutions, has announced an agreement to divest its payroll business, Heartland Payroll Solutions, to fintech firm Acrisure for $1.1 billion. The deal marks a significant step in Global Payments’ ongoing strategy to streamline its operations and focus more sharply on its core payment processing and technology services.
The transaction, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025, will see Acrisure acquire the entire Heartland Payroll Solutions business. Heartland, a long-standing part of Global Payments’ small business services, has provided payroll and HR solutions to thousands of businesses across North America. Its divestiture signals a shift in focus for Global Payments, which has increasingly emphasized integrated payments and software-based financial solutions.
According to Global Payments, the proceeds from the sale will be returned to shareholders, potentially through share buybacks or dividends. This move is seen as part of a broader realignment aimed at increasing shareholder value and accelerating growth in the company’s core areas of strength, particularly digital payments, e-commerce, and embedded finance technologies.
In a statement, Global Payments CEO Cameron Bready highlighted the rationale behind the sale: “This divestiture allows us to concentrate resources on the most strategic parts of our business, where we see the greatest opportunity for growth and innovation. Heartland Payroll has been a strong performer, and we believe Acrisure is well-positioned to take it to the next level.”
For Acrisure, a company known for its rapid expansion into financial technology from its roots in insurance brokerage, the acquisition represents a key step in diversifying and strengthening its service offerings. By incorporating Heartland Payroll, Acrisure gains a well-established platform and customer base in the payroll and HR services space, which complements its recent forays into digital financial services.
Industry analysts view the move as a positive for both companies. Global Payments will gain liquidity and a sharper focus, while Acrisure continues its push to become a dominant player in the broader fintech ecosystem.
