Worldpay facing buyout instead of float
Payments processing company Worldpay's owners are in talks with private equity groups such as Blackstone, CVC and Helmman & Friedman (H&F) over a possible takeover bids which would curtail its public listing.
CVC is reportedly working with a major Canadian pension fund, while H&F is said to be in discussions over a joint bid with Singapore's Government Investment Corporation according to Sky News.
Read more: Worldpay is set to float
This comes despite the fact last month Sky News revealed that Worldpay was readying itself for a £6bn stock market listing, and had hired six banks to lead the initial public offering (IPO).
The IPO will come nearly five years after the Worldpay, which is owned by Advent International and Bain Capital, was sold by RBS in a deal worth close to £2bn.
Read more: RBS finalises WorldPay sale