Worldline attracts early stage interest from private equity firms 

French payments group Worldline has attracted early stage takeover interest from private equity firms, as it grapples with a falling share price, profit warnings and leadership change, five people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. 

Why it matters 

Discussions about a potential deal come during a challenging period for Worldline. Its shares have fallen by 92% since July, 2021 when investor enthusiasm for payments companies peaked, after recording three profit warnings within a year.