PAYSAFE GROUP acquired by FOLEY TRASIMENE ACQUISITION CORP. II
Context
Foley Trasimene Acquisition Corp. II merged with Paysafe Group Holdings Limited through a transaction announced in December 2020, creating a publicly listed company on the New York Stock Exchange under the Paysafe name. The transaction was structured as a SPAC business combination, with cash held in Foley Trasimene's trust account and a private investment in public equity (PIPE) financing the deal, while Paysafe's existing shareholders retained a majority ownership stake in the newly listed company. The transaction was completed during the first half of 2021 following the required regulatory and shareholder approvals. The transaction enabled Paysafe to access the public capital markets to support the next phase of its growth. The public listing enhanced the group's financial flexibility, providing additional resources to invest in its technology platform and expand its presence across digital payments, e-commerce, financial services, and regulated online gaming markets. Foley Trasimene's involvement, backed by Bill Foley, also brought extensive expertise in financial services, payments, and technology. The company's existing shareholders, including Blackstone and CVC Capital Partners, retained significant ownership stakes following the transaction, ensuring continuity in governance and long-term strategic direction. This ownership structure positions Paysafe to continue pursuing organic growth while evaluating potential complementary acquisitions within the digital payments sector.
PAYSAFE GROUP, which reported an EBITDA margin of LOGIN in 2020, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of LOGIN, representing a LOGIN to the average currently observed in the Financial Services sector (12.6x).
Note that this data is based on contribution from our growing community, composed of M&A and Private Equity professionals, and has been verified by our team to ensure its accuracy.
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Target
Paysafe Group Holdings Limited operates an integrated payments platform that connects merchants and consumers through processing, digital wallet and online cash solutions. The company maintains a two‑sided network that routes transaction volume across more than 200 markets, supporting e‑commerce, gaming, and other high‑growth verticals. Its product suite includes card acquiring, alternative payment methods, tokenised wallets, and eCash services that enable instant settlement and cross‑border transfers. Clients range from large online retailers and travel providers to regulated gaming operators and financial institutions that require compliant, high‑throughput processing. The business model combines transaction‑based fees with value‑added services such as fraud management, risk analytics and settlement optimisation, generating cash flow that is largely reinvested in technology and global expansion. Founded in the early 2000s, the firm has grown through organic acquisition of regional payment providers and the development of proprietary risk‑engine platforms. Headquarters are in the United Kingdom, with regional hubs in the United States, Europe and Asia‑Pacific, allowing localized compliance and support. The company reports a predominantly digital revenue mix, with over three‑quarters derived from online and integrated services, and maintains an asset‑light balance sheet characterised by high EBITDA margins and strong cash conversion.
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Historical Financials (USD)
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REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 3b - 100b USD
Revenue range: 1b - 3b USD
EBITDA range: 250M - 500M USD
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Authors: verified mynth contributor (mynth data is contributed by M&A / PE professionals and systematically cross-verified with private deal documents and official press releases).
Target: paysafe group