In August 2017, Vantiv announced that it would be merging with the UK-listed, global payments processor Worldpay for $10.4 billion. As a high-profile, cross-border transaction, Vantiv needed to craft and communicate a compelling story around the benefits of the merger, which would resonate positively with the various stakeholders of both companies.
Edelman was tasked with helping Vantiv tell that story and manage a comprehensive communications programme from planning through to execution, drawing on its financial communications and public affairs expertise in the UK and US.
With far reaching implications for stakeholders internationally, the story of the merger had to be consistent, not just across channels but also across different sectors and markets.
A critical factor for success was pre-empting and addressing the concerns of the various interest groups, presenting them with a strong rationale for combination that would carry the merger through to completion and beyond.
Strategy and Execution
Edelman’s financial communications and public affairs teams in New York and London worked with Vantiv’s leadership team, investor relations and in-house communications teams, to develop the core narrative, as well as a comprehensive strategy and PR programme to tell the Vantiv-Worldpay story.
From providing strategic counsel to Vantiv’s decision makers, to supporting internal teams, Edelman delivered a full suite of communications services through the various stages of disclosures and approvals and prepared key collateral needed for external communications, including the initial announcements, subsequent press releases, investor-call scripts and employee communications.
Business Outcome
The merger was a success and completed on January 2018 with the shares of the new company, Worldpay, Inc. listing on the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange. Since completion, Worldpay has reaffirmed its position as a global leader and innovator in the rapidly evolving payments space, and the company’s share price has continued to perform strongly.
Edelman continues to advise Worldpay, Inc. on its financial calendar and earnings announcements and broader investor relations initiatives, and supports company on corporate communications, issues management, and public affairs in the US and the UK.