Worldline: Speculation returns to Worldline which jumps on the stock market

(BFM Bourse) – The payments specialist took off during the session on Monday after Reuters reported that private equity funds had started to examine potential buyout offers.

Worldline experienced a sudden acceleration on the stock market this Monday. The stock jumped suddenly around 3 p.m., closing up more than 14% this Monday evening on the Paris Stock Exchange.

A return of speculation on the payments specialist boosted the action. The stock took off shortly after the publication of information from Reuters. The agency reported that several private equity firms had begun reviewing a potential takeover offer for Worldline.

These approaches are currently at an “early stage”, continued the press agency, which explains that Bain Capital is one of these potentially interested investment companies.

Contacted by BFM Bourse, Worldline did not comment. Asked by Reuters, a Bain spokesperson also declined to comment on this information.

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A stalked prey

Bain Capital is already present in the payments sector by holding a 9.89% stake in the capital of Nexi, Worldline's great Italian rival.

Rumors and press reports crop up regularly in the world of payments, a sector that often catches the eye of private equity firms. Worldline had also sold its payment terminal business, inherited from the acquisition of Ingenico, to the Apollo fund, in 2022.

In January 2024, Reuters reported that the company was looking for ways to defend itself against potential hostile takeover bids. A few days later, Crédit Agricole SA, partner of Worldline, announced that it held 7% of the capital of its ally. This decision was then seen by analysts as a way to deter possible hostile takeover bids.

The fall in Worldline shares, which has accumulated disappointments in its publications, nevertheless tends to attract attention. The group has fallen 52% on the stock market since the start of the year and 84% over three years.

In September, the company issued a new profit warning and announced, at the same time, the departure of its managing director Gilles Grapinet.

Julien Marion – ©2024 BFM Bourse