Shift4 Completes Squeeze-Out Merger of Global Blue, Acquiring Remaining 2.63% Shares.

Shift4 Payments has completed a squeeze-out merger with Global Blue Group Holding AG, merging Global Blue into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shift4. This results in Global Blue shares being acquired by Shift4, with only 2.63% of shares remaining outstanding. The merger aims to integrate Global Blue's tax-free shopping and dynamic currency conversion technology into Shift4's payments and commerce platform.

Shift4 Payments, Inc. (NYSE: FOUR) has successfully completed a squeeze-out merger with Global Blue Group Holding AG (NYSE: GB), merging Global Blue into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Shift4. As a result of the merger, 97.37% of Global Blue's shares have been acquired by Shift4, with only 2.63% of shares remaining outstanding [2]. The merger aims to integrate Global Blue's tax-free shopping and dynamic currency conversion technology into Shift4's payments and commerce platform.

The merger was approved by Global Blue shareholders at an extraordinary general meeting held on August 18, 2025. Following the merger, Global Blue shares were delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. Shift4 completed the acquisition by paying $7.50 per share in cash, representing a 15% premium to Global Blue's closing share price as of February 14, 2025, and a total enterprise value of approximately $2.5 billion [3].

Shift4, the leader in integrated payments and commerce technology, powers billions of transactions annually for hundreds of thousands of businesses. Global Blue, with over 40 years of expertise, connects thousands of retailers, acquirers, and hotels with nearly 80 million consumers across 52 countries. The merger enhances Shift4's unified commerce capabilities and extends its reach to the 400,000+ retail and hospitality locations utilizing Global Blue's specialized technology solutions supporting cross-border luxury shopping.

The acquisition is expected to bring significant synergies and efficiencies to Shift4, as it integrates Global Blue's technology into its existing platform. However, investors should be aware of the potential risks associated with the merger, including the challenges of integrating the two companies' systems and the impact of any regulatory changes.

For those with a 3–5 year horizon, the acquisition offers an attractive risk-reward profile. However, given the stock's volatility and integration risks, a staggered entry strategy—buying dips in line with the company's strong fundamentals—may be prudent.

References:
[1] https://www.ainvest.com/news/shift4-payments-executive-chairman-buys-16-3m-company-shares-2508/
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/shift4-completes-squeeze-out-merger-of-global-blue-ce7c51dfd080f621
[3] https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250218353027/en/Shift4-to-Acquire-Global-Blue-the-Leading-Specialty-Payments-and-Technology-Provider-Serving-Luxury-Brands