Post by : Badri Ariffin

French payments giant Worldline is making a bold move to regain stability and investor trust after years of financial and operational challenges. The company announced on Thursday that it plans to raise €500 million ($583 million) through a two-stage capital increase aimed at supporting its turnaround strategy.

The first phase involves a €110 million reserved share sale to major French banks Bpifrance, Credit Agricole, and BNP Paribas, with the three lenders committing to subscribe around €135 million collectively. The second stage is a €390 million rights issue, open to all shareholders, expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2026. Post-transaction, Bpifrance will hold 9.6%, Credit Agricole 9.5%, and BNP Paribas 7.9% of the company.

Once a bright star in France’s tech sector, Worldline has seen its market value collapse by nearly 97% from a 2021 peak exceeding €20 billion. The company has struggled with client retention issues, repeated profit warnings, governance instability, and a slowdown in consumer spending affecting the payments industry. Compounding its woes, a criminal investigation into alleged money laundering at its Belgian unit has further dented its reputation.

Worldline’s financial pressures have intensified in 2025 due to weaker earnings and high restructuring costs, with forecasts projecting free cash flow between break-even and a €30 million loss by year-end. To strengthen its balance sheet, the company also plans to divest its mobility unit, North American operations, and electronic data management business, targeting up to €400 million in cash proceeds.

Despite these challenges, Worldline is eyeing a long-term rebound, setting targets of 4% annual revenue growth between 2027 and 2030, achieving €1 billion in core earnings, and returning to positive free cash flow as early as 2027.

With this strategic capital raise and restructuring plan, Worldline aims to stabilize operations, reassure investors, and regain its foothold in the competitive payments landscape, signaling a determined effort to overcome a turbulent few years.

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