Key Takeaways
- • Priority Technology Holdings Inc., a payments and banking solutions provider, announced a $1.6 billion take-private transaction on September 21, 2026, led by an investor group helmed by the company's chair and CEO.
- • The transaction is being steered by four law firms: Nixon Peabody LLP advising Priority Technology and McDermott Will & Schulte LLP leading the investor group's legal representation.
- • The deal represents a significant exit for public equity holders and signals consolidation activity in the fintech and payments infrastructure sector.
Summary
Priority Technology Holdings Inc. announced plans to go private in a $1.6 billion take-private transaction, according to filings made public on September 21, 2026. The acquisition is being led by an investor group controlled by the company's current chair and CEO, indicating insider-led ownership recapitalization.
The transaction structure involves dual legal representation from established M&A counsel. Nixon Peabody LLP is advising the target company on the transaction, while McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is leading the investor group's legal team. This configuration of top-tier counsel underscores the deal's complexity and the parties' commitment to executing a comprehensive take-private process.
Priority Technology, which provides payments processing and banking solutions, joins a growing list of fintech and financial infrastructure companies pursuing privatization. The $1.6 billion valuation reflects investor appetite for consolidating payments technology platforms, particularly when incumbent management retains meaningful economic interest through the acquisition vehicle.
The transaction allows Priority Technology to exit public markets while enabling management to maintain operational control and participate in upside potential through continued equity ownership. This structure is increasingly common in middle-market financial services transactions where operational expertise and existing management relationships drive enterprise value.
The transaction structure involves dual legal representation from established M&A counsel. Nixon Peabody LLP is advising the target company on the transaction, while McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is leading the investor group's legal team. This configuration of top-tier counsel underscores the deal's complexity and the parties' commitment to executing a comprehensive take-private process.
Priority Technology, which provides payments processing and banking solutions, joins a growing list of fintech and financial infrastructure companies pursuing privatization. The $1.6 billion valuation reflects investor appetite for consolidating payments technology platforms, particularly when incumbent management retains meaningful economic interest through the acquisition vehicle.
The transaction allows Priority Technology to exit public markets while enabling management to maintain operational control and participate in upside potential through continued equity ownership. This structure is increasingly common in middle-market financial services transactions where operational expertise and existing management relationships drive enterprise value.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.