STOCK TITAN

Priority Technology to go private in $1.6B buyout

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. (PRTH) agreed to be acquired in a management-led, all-cash merger by WD Capital Partners Parent Inc., an entity controlled by Chairman and CEO Thomas C. Priore.

(Very High)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. (PRTH) agreed to be acquired in a management-led, all-cash merger by WD Capital Partners Parent Inc., an entity controlled by Chairman and CEO Thomas C. Priore. Public stockholders will receive $8.05 per share in cash, with Priority becoming a wholly owned private subsidiary of Parent.

A Special Committee of independent, disinterested directors negotiated the deal, unanimously deemed it fair and in the best interests of stockholders, and obtained a financial fairness opinion from Barclays. Closing requires approval by a majority of all voting power and a separate majority-of-disinterested-stockholders vote, plus U.S. regulatory approvals tied to state money transmitter licenses and other customary conditions.

Parent plans to fund the merger consideration and related costs with up to $160 million of equity financing from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, borrowings under Priority’s existing Truist revolving credit facility, and company cash. Supporting Stockholders holding approximately 61.4% of outstanding shares signed support agreements, will roll over their shares into Holdings, and have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction. The Merger Agreement includes a $15.75 million company termination fee and a $35.25 million reverse termination fee and has an outside date of December 18, 2027; upon completion, PRTH will be delisted and deregistered.

Positive

  • $8.05 per share all-cash price delivers a 65% premium to the unaffected share price on November 7, 2025, and a 38% premium to the September 18, 2026 price, providing substantial immediate cash value to unaffiliated stockholders if the merger closes.
  • The transaction is not subject to a financing condition, with up to $160 million equity from funds advised by Searchlight, use of Priority’s Truist revolver, and company cash, which supports deal certainty.
  • A Special Committee of independent and disinterested directors unanimously recommended the merger after a "robust" process and obtained a fairness opinion from Barclays, offering governance safeguards in a related-party transaction.

Negative

  • Closing is subject to multiple conditions, including a majority-of-disinterested-stockholders vote and comprehensive state money transmitter license approvals, so there is a meaningful risk the merger may not be completed.
  • The Merger Agreement includes an asymmetrical fee structure with a $15.75 million company termination fee and a $35.25 million reverse termination fee, which can influence strategic flexibility if competing proposals emerge.
  • Upon completion, Priority will be delisted from Nasdaq and its shares deregistered, eliminating public market liquidity and ongoing participation in any future upside for stockholders who receive cash consideration.

Filing Explained

The stated $8.05 cash consideration is described as a 38% premium to the September 18 closing price, but completion remains conditional.

If the announced merger closes, all outstanding options, restricted stock units, and performance stock units will vest and be canceled for cash: options receive only any excess of $8.05 over their exercise price, while restricted and performance units receive $8.05 per underlying share, with performance units treated as achieving target performance.

The employee stock purchase plan will stop accepting new offering periods, extensions, increased contributions, or new participants after the agreement date, and will terminate immediately before closing; any active-period purchase rights must be exercised no later than three business days before closing.

The state money-transmitter approval condition has a specified fallback after a deadline: a combination of approvals, alternative arrangements, and withdrawals may suffice, subject to required approvals in certain states and the remaining affected operations representing no more than 10% of consolidated fee revenue from licensed operations.

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement Business
The company signed a significant contract such as a merger agreement, credit facility, or major partnership.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers Governance
Key personnel changes including departures, elections, or appointments of directors and executive officers.
Item 8.01 Other Events Other
Voluntary disclosure of events the company deems important to shareholders but not covered by other items.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, or exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Cash Merger Price per Share $8.05 per share Cash consideration payable for each eligible share of PRTH common stock at the effective time of the merger
Premium to November 7, 2025 Share Price 65% Premium of $8.05 offer to closing PRTH share price on November 7, 2025, before public disclosure of the initial proposal
Premium to September 18, 2026 Share Price 38% Premium of $8.05 offer to PRTH closing share price on September 18, 2026, before announcement of the definitive agreement
Transaction Enterprise Value $1.6 billion Approximate enterprise value implied by the all-cash transaction described in the press release
Equity Financing Commitment $160 million Up to this amount of equity financing from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners to support payment of merger consideration and related expenses
Company Termination Fee $15.75 million Fee payable by Priority to Parent in specified circumstances, including acceptance of a Company Superior Proposal
Parent Reverse Termination Fee $35.25 million Fee payable by Parent to Priority if Parent or Supporting Stockholders breach or fail to close under specified conditions
Supporting Stockholders’ Ownership 61.4% of outstanding shares Approximate portion of Priority common stock held by Supporting Stockholders who signed Support Agreements
Company Superior Proposal regulatory
"could reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement)"
A company superior proposal is a bona fide, better offer from another buyer to acquire or merge with a target company that outperforms an existing agreement. Think of it like a higher bid at an auction that gives a seller grounds to consider changing deals; for investors it can change expected sale price, timing, or strategic direction and may increase shareholder value or create uncertainty about future ownership.
Company Change in Recommendation regulatory
"the Board, acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee, may effect a Company Change in Recommendation"
Company Termination Fee financial
"The Company must pay Parent a termination fee of $15,750,000 (the “Company Termination Fee”)"
reverse termination fee financial
"Parent must pay the Company a reverse termination fee of $35,250,000 (the “Parent Termination Fee”)"
A reverse termination fee is a cash payment the would-be buyer agrees to pay the target if the buyer fails to close a merger or acquisition for specified reasons, such as losing financing or failing to obtain approvals. Think of it like a breakup fee the buyer agrees to pay as compensation for the seller’s lost time and missed opportunities; investors watch it because it signals deal certainty, potential cash recovery if a deal collapses, and shifts financial risk between the parties.
Schedule 13E-3 regulatory
"intend to jointly file a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the “Schedule 13E-3”)"
Schedule 13E-3 is a formal SEC filing that companies or their insiders must submit when proposing a buyout that would take a public company private or is otherwise a management-led purchase. It lays out who is behind the deal, the money and terms involved, any potential conflicts of interest, and independent fairness analysis so shareholders can assess whether the offer is fair—like the rulebook and disclosure packet you’d get before agreeing to sell your home.
money transmitter licenses regulatory
"receipt of certain state regulatory approvals in respect of the Company’s money transmitter licenses arising out of a change of control"
Money transmitter licenses are official permissions granted by government authorities that allow a business to legally transfer money between people or entities. They ensure that companies handling financial transactions follow rules designed to protect consumers and prevent fraud. For investors, these licenses are important because they demonstrate that a business operates within legal boundaries and adheres to financial safety standards.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

What is the purchase price in the PRTH going-private transaction?

Priority stockholders who are not part of the investor group will receive $8.05 per share in cash at closing. Each outstanding share of common stock (other than rollover, affiliated, treasury, and appraisal shares) is converted into this fixed cash amount, subject to applicable tax withholding.

What premium does the $8.05 offer represent for PRTH stockholders?

The $8.05 per share cash consideration reflects a 65% premium to Priority’s closing share price on November 7, 2025, before the initial proposal was disclosed, and a 38% premium to the closing share price on September 18, 2026, before announcement of the definitive agreement.

What approvals are required for the PRTH merger to close?

Closing requires (i) a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares, (ii) a separate majority-of-disinterested-stockholders vote, (iii) specified state money transmitter license approvals or alternatives, (iv) no prohibitive U.S. legal order, and satisfaction of other customary conditions, including no Company Material Adverse Effect.

How will the PRTH buyout be financed?

Parent expects to fund the merger consideration and related expenses with up to $160 million of equity financing from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, a borrowing under Priority’s existing Truist Bank revolving credit facility, and available cash of Priority and its subsidiaries. The merger has no financing condition.

What happens to PRTH shares if the merger is completed?

At the effective time, each eligible share of Priority common stock will be converted into the right to receive $8.05 in cash, and the company will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Priority’s common stock will then be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under the Exchange Act.

What role do PRTH insiders and Supporting Stockholders play in this deal?

Thomas C. Priore and certain affiliates, along with other Supporting Stockholders holding about 61.4% of outstanding shares, signed Support Agreements to vote in favor of the merger and roll over their shares into Holdings. Their shares are excluded from the disinterested stockholder vote.

When is the PRTH merger expected to close and what is the outside date?

The press release states the transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. The Merger Agreement includes an Outside Date of December 18, 2027, after which either party may terminate if closing has not occurred, subject to specified conditions.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

September 18, 2026

Date of Report (date of earliest event reported)

 

 

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware   001-37872   47-4257046
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
  (Commission File Number)   (I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

 

2001 Westside Parkway, Suite 155
Alpharetta, Georgia 30004

(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

 

(800) 935-5961

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
   
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
   
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class   Trading Symbol   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.001 par value   PRTH   NASDAQ

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of (1933 §230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

Emerging growth company 

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

 

The Merger Agreement

 

On September 18, 2026, Priority Technology Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with WD Capital Partners Parent Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”) and WD Capital Partners Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”), pursuant to which Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company surviving the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. Parent and Merger Sub are entities controlled by Thomas C. Priore, the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the “Majority Stockholder”) and certain of his affiliates.

 

The special committee (the “Special Committee”) of independent and disinterested directors of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), which negotiated the terms of the Merger Agreement with the assistance of its independent legal and financial advisors has unanimously determined that the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger, are advisable, fair to and in the best interests of the Company and the Company stockholders and recommended that the Board adopts and approves the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger. Upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, the Board (with Mr. Priore and Mr. Crisafulli each recusing himself, in view of Mr. Priore’s interest and Mr. Crisafulli’s possible interest in the transaction) approved the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby and resolved to recommend that the Company’s stockholders adopt the Merger Agreement and approve the transactions contemplated thereby, including the Merger.

 

In connection with its evaluation of the Merger, the Special Committee received an opinion from Barclays Capital Inc. (“Barclays”) to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion and subject to the various assumptions, qualifications, procedures, and limitations set forth therein, the Merger Consideration (as defined below) is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders of shares of Company Common Stock (other than shares held by the Company or its wholly owned subsidiaries, shares owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective affiliates (including the Rollover Shares (as defined below)), and shares held by holders who properly perfect appraisal rights). A more detailed description of Barclays’ opinion and the analyses performed in connection therewith will be included in the proxy statement relating to the Merger.

 

Merger Consideration.

 

At the effective time of the Merger (the “Effective Time”), each share of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than (a) shares held by the Company or any of its direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries, (b) shares owned by Parent, Merger Sub or any of their respective affiliates including the Rollover Shares, and (c) shares held by stockholders who have properly perfected appraisal rights under Section 262 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) will be converted automatically into the right to receive from Parent $8.05 per share in cash, without interest and subject to any withholding taxes required by applicable Law (the “Merger Consideration”).

 

1

 

 

Treatment of Equity Awards.

 

At the Effective Time, all outstanding Company stock options granted under the Company’s 2018 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Company Stock Plan”) will become fully vested, be canceled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the applicable exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to such option. All outstanding restricted stock unit awards will become fully vested and be canceled and be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration per underlying share of Company Common Stock. All outstanding performance stock unit awards will become fully vested (with performance deemed achieved at target-level performance) and be canceled and be converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration per underlying share of Company Common Stock. All such payments will be made as promptly as practicable following, but in no event later than ten business days after, the Effective Time. All such payments will be subject to applicable tax withholdings.

 

The Company's 2021 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended (the “Company ESPP”), will be terminated effective immediately prior to the Effective Time in accordance with the Merger Agreement. In addition, (i) no new offering periods will commence under the Company ESPP following the date of the Merger Agreement, (ii) no offering period in effect under the Company ESPP as of the date of the Merger Agreement will be extended, (iii) no participant contributions under the Company ESPP will be increased and no new participants will be permitted to commence participation therein, following the date of the Merger Agreement and (iv) with respect to the offering period in effect at the Effective Time, if any, all outstanding purchase rights under the Company ESPP will be exercised as of no later than three Business Days prior to the date on which the Effective Time occurs and each Company ESPP participant’s accumulated contributions under the Company ESPP will be used to purchase Company Common Stock in accordance with the terms of the Company ESPP. All shares of Company Common Stock purchased pursuant to the Company ESPP on such date will be treated in accordance with the Merger Agreement.

 

No Solicitation.

 

The Merger Agreement contains customary non-solicitation provisions restricting the Company's ability to solicit or engage in discussions regarding competing acquisition proposals. The Company is permitted to grant waivers of, and not enforce, any standstill provision that has the effect of prohibiting the counterparty from making an unsolicited acquisition proposal. Notwithstanding these restrictions, prior to receipt of the stockholder approval described below, the Company may engage with parties who submit unsolicited bona fide written acquisition proposals after the date of the Merger Agreement that the Special Committee determines in good faith constitute or could reasonably be expected to lead to a Company Superior Proposal (as defined in the Merger Agreement) and where the failure to engage would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the Special Committee's fiduciary duties under applicable law. The Board, acting on the recommendation of the Special Committee and subject to the terms of the Merger Agreement, may effect a Company Change in Recommendation (as defined in the Merger Agreement) in response to a Company Superior Proposal or a Company Intervening Event (each as defined in the Merger Agreement), and may terminate the Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Superior Proposal, subject to compliance with notice and negotiation requirements, including providing Parent with four Business Days' prior written notice and the opportunity to propose revised terms, and subject to the prior or concurrent payment of the Company Termination Fee described below.

 

2

 

 

Conditions to Closing.

 

The consummation of the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of the Company Stockholder Approval (as defined below), the absence of any law or governmental order in the United States prohibiting the Merger, the receipt of certain state regulatory approvals in respect of the Company’s money transmitter licenses arising out of a change of control of the Company as a result of the Merger and related transactions (with such approvals required to have been obtained in all states; provided that, after a specified deadline, the condition may instead be satisfied by a combination of regulatory approvals, alternative arrangements and withdrawals from operations, so long as (a) regulatory approval has been obtained from certain specified states, (b) certain other specified states are not subject to withdrawals absent an alternative arrangement and (c) any remaining states subject to withdrawals did not, in the aggregate, generate more than 10% of the Company's consolidated fee revenue from operations subject to money transmitter licenses), the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the parties (generally subject to a material adverse effect standard), the performance of the covenants of the parties in all material respects, and the absence of a Company Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement). The obligation of Parent and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger is also conditioned on each of the Company’s existing credit agreements with Truist Bank and Varde Partners, respectively, remaining in full force and effect.

 

Stockholder Approval.

 

The Merger Agreement requires the following stockholder approvals (collectively, the “Company Stockholder Approval”): (i) the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, entitled to vote, voting as a single class, and (ii) the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by the “disinterested stockholders” (as defined in Section 144 of the DGCL). For purposes of this vote, the disinterested stockholders will exclude shares held, directly or indirectly, by or on behalf of (a) the Majority Stockholder, (b) the Supporting Stockholders and any affiliate thereof, (c) any person that the Company has determined to be an "officer" of the Company within the meaning of Rule 16a-1(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and (d) members of the Board who are not members of the Special Committee.

 

Termination and Fees.

 

The Merger Agreement may be terminated by mutual written consent at any time prior to the closing of the Merger. Either party may also terminate the Merger Agreement if the Merger has not been consummated by December 18, 2027 (the “Outside Date”), if a final, non-appealable United States governmental order prohibits the Merger, or if the Company Stockholder Approval is not obtained. Either party may also terminate if the other party (or, in the case of the Parent, the Supporting Stockholders) breaches any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement such that the related closing conditions would not be satisfied, subject to a 30-day cure period (to the extent curable), provided that the terminating party (or, in the case of Parent, the Supporting Stockholders) is not then in breach that would cause its own closing conditions to fail.

 

The Company must pay Parent a termination fee of $15,750,000 (the “Company Termination Fee”) if (a) the Company terminates the Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement with respect to a Company Superior Proposal (payable prior to or concurrently with such termination), (b) Parent terminates following a Company Change in Recommendation (payable within two Business Days of such termination), or (c) following a public submission, proposal or disclosure of a Company Acquisition Proposal that is not withdrawn at the date of termination of the Merger Agreement, the Merger Agreement is terminated due to the expiration of the Outside Date, failure to obtain the Company Stockholder Approval, or a material breach by the Company and within 12 months the Company consummates, or enters into a definitive agreement providing for the consummation of, a Company Acquisition Transaction (with all references to 20% in the definition of Company Acquisition Transaction deemed references to 50%), with the Company Termination Fee payment due upon such consummation.

 

Parent must pay the Company a reverse termination fee of $35,250,000 (the “Parent Termination Fee”) if (a) the Company terminates due to a breach by Parent, Merger Sub or any of the Supporting Stockholders, or (b) Parent and Merger Sub fail to consummate the Merger when required to do so, and the Company has complied with the notice and confirmation procedures specified in the Merger Agreement. The Parent Termination Fee is also payable if the Merger Agreement is terminated due to the expiration of the Outside Date at a time when the Company could have terminated due to Parent's, Merger Sub's or any of the Supporting Stockholders’ breach or failure to close. The Company is also entitled, subject to certain conditions specified in the Merger Agreement, to seek specific performance of Parent's and Merger Sub's obligations, including to cause the Financing (as defined below) to be funded and the Merger to be consummated.

 

3

 

 

Other Terms.

 

The Merger Agreement contains representations, warranties and covenants of the parties that are customary for transactions of this type, including covenants by the Company relating to the conduct of its business prior to the consummation of the Merger.

 

If the Merger is consummated, shares of Company Common Stock, which are currently listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market (“Nasdaq”), will be delisted from Nasdaq and deregistered under the Exchange Act, and will no longer be publicly traded.

 

The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 2.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

Financing

 

Parent expects to fund the payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration and related fees and expenses through a combination of: (i) equity financing up to $160 million from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (collectively, the “Equity Financing Source”) pursuant to an equity commitment letter delivered to the Company concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement (the “Equity Commitment Letter,” and such equity financing, the “Financing”); (ii) a borrowing under the revolving credit facility of the Company’s existing credit agreement with Truist Bank; and (iii) available cash of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company is a third-party beneficiary of the Equity Commitment Letter for purposes of specifically enforcing the terms and provisions thereunder under certain circumstances. Concurrently with the execution of the Commitment Letter, the Equity Financing Source delivered to the Company a limited guaranty pursuant to which the Equity Financing Source has guaranteed certain obligations of Parent under the Merger Agreement, subject to an aggregate cap. The Merger is not subject to a financing condition.

 

Support Agreements

 

On September 18, 2026, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, Thomas C. Priore, certain of his affiliates and certain other stockholders of the Company (collectively, the “Supporting Stockholders”), who collectively own approximately 61.4% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock, entered into Support Agreements (collectively, the “Support Agreements”) with the Company, Parent and WD Capital Partners Holdings LP, a Delaware limited partnership and an affiliate of Parent (“Holdings”). Pursuant to the Support Agreements, each of the Supporting Stockholders have agreed, among other things: (a) to vote all shares of Company Common Stock owned by them or their controlled affiliates (i) in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the approval of the Merger and any related proposals and (ii) against any competing acquisition proposal and any other action that would reasonably be expected to impede or delay the Merger; (b) immediately prior to the Effective Time, to contribute and transfer all of such Supporting Stockholder’s shares of Company Common Stock (the “Rollover Shares”) to Holdings in exchange for newly issued equity interests of Holdings (the “Rollover”), (c) use reasonable best efforts to supply complete and accurate information for regulatory filings and comply with notice and coordination requirements for regulatory matters; (d) not to transfer its Rollover Shares prior to the Effective Time, subject to certain exceptions, and (e) to waive any appraisal or dissenters’ rights under Section 262 of the DGCL with respect to such Supporting Stockholder’s shares. The Support Agreements will terminate upon the earlier of the termination of the Merger Agreement in accordance with its terms and the Effective Time.

 

As a result of the Merger and the Rollover, upon consummation of the Merger, the Company will cease to be a publicly traded company and will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which is controlled by the Majority Stockholder through Holdings.

 

The foregoing description of the Support Agreements is not complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Support Agreement, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

 

4

 

 

Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.

 

The information set forth under the heading “Treatment of Equity Awards” in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 5.02.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On September 21, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the execution of the Merger Agreement. A copy of the press release is filed as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, on September 21, 2026, the Company distributed the following materials with respect to the proposed Merger: (i) an email sent to employees of the Company; (ii) an FAQ posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website; and (iii) a message posted on the Company’s LinkedIn page, the full text of which are attached hereto as Exhibits 99.2, 99.3, and 99.4, respectively.

 

Cautionary Statement Regarding the Merger

 

The consummation of the Merger is subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, and there can be no assurance that the Merger will be consummated on the timeline currently anticipated, or at all.

 

Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Transaction, the Company will file with the SEC a Proxy Statement, the definitive version of which will be sent or provided to Company stockholders. The Company and affiliates of the Company intend to jointly file a transaction statement on Schedule 13E-3 (the “Schedule 13E-3”). The Company may also file other documents with the SEC regarding the Transaction. This Current Report on Form 8-K is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement, the Schedule 13E-3 or any other document which the Company may file with the SEC. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, THE SCHEDULE 13E-3 AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED OR WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement, Schedule 13E-3 (when it is available) and other documents that are filed or will be filed with the SEC by the Company through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov, the Company’s website at https://prioritycommerce.com/ or by contacting the Company’s Investor Relations Team at PriorityIR@icrinc.com.

 

The Transaction will be implemented solely pursuant to the Merger Agreement dated as of September 18, 2026, among the Company, WD Capital Partners Parent Inc., and Merger Sub, which contains the full terms and conditions of the Transaction.

 

Participants in Solicitation

 

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the Company’s stockholders in connection with the Transaction. Additional information regarding the identity of the participants, including a description of their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the Proxy Statement and other materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction (if and when they become available). Information relating to the foregoing can also be found in the Company’s proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 14, 2026 (the “Annual Meeting Proxy Statement”). To the extent holdings of securities by potential participants (or the identity of such participants) have changed since the information printed in the Annual Meeting Proxy Statement, such information has been or will be reflected on the Company’s Statements of Change in Ownership on Forms 3 and 4 filed with the SEC. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

 

5

 

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “will” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the Merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the Merger may not be completed by the Outside Date; (ii) the failure to obtain the required Company Stockholder Approval; (iii) the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions to the Merger, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals related to state money transmitter licenses or the implementation of alternative compliance arrangements; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (v) potential litigation relating to the Merger, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the Merger on the Company's business relationships, results of operations and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees; (vii) risks that the proposed Merger may disrupt current plans and operations; (viii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the Merger; (ix) the risk that the price of Company Common Stock may decline significantly if the Merger is not completed; and (x) the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the SEC, including the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or any person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to herein.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d): Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.   Description
2.1*   Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated September 18, 2026, by and among Priority Technology Holdings, Inc., WD Capital Partners Parent Inc. and WD Capital Partners Merger Sub Inc.
10.1   Form of Support Agreement, dated September 18, 2026, by and among Priority Technology Holdings Inc., WD Capital Partners Parent Inc., WD Capital Partners Holdings LP, and the stockholder parties thereto.
99.1   Press Release, dated September 21, 2026.
99.2   Email sent to employees of the Company, dated September 21, 2026.
99.3   Frequently Asked Questions posted on the Company’s Investor Relations website, dated September 21, 2026.
99.4   Message posted on the Company’s LinkedIn page, dated September 21, 2026.
104   Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

*Schedules and exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K. The Company hereby agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted schedule or exhibit to the SEC upon request.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: September 21, 2026 PRIORITY TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS, INC.
     
  By /s/ Timothy M. O’Leary
    Timothy M. O’Leary
    Chief Financial Officer

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

 

 

Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. Announces Definitive Agreement with
Investor Group Led by Chairman and CEO Thomas Priore to Take Company Private

 

Priority Stockholders to Receive $8.05/Share in Cash, a 65% Premium to Unaffected Share Price

 

Transaction Unanimously Recommended by Special Committee of Priority’s Independent and Disinterested Directors and Approved by the Board of Directors

 

Alpharetta, GA, September 21, 2026 – Priority Technology Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PRTH) (“Priority” or the “Company”), the payments and banking solutions provider that streamlines collecting, storing, lending and sending money to unlock revenue opportunities, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement (the “Agreement”) with an investor group led by Thomas Priore, the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (the “Investor Group”), pursuant to which the Investor Group will acquire all outstanding shares of Priority’s common stock that it does not already own for $8.05 per share in cash. The all-cash transaction represents an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion.

 

The transaction delivers a 65% premium to the Company’s closing share price on November 7, 2025, the last trading day before public disclosure of the Investor Group’s preliminary, non-binding proposal (the “Initial Proposal”) to acquire the remaining shares of the Company’s common stock that the Investor Group does not currently hold. The transaction represents a 38% premium to the Company’s closing share price on September 18, 2026, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the definitive agreement.

 

The transaction was unanimously recommended by a special committee of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”), which conducted a robust review process with the assistance of its independent legal and financial advisors.

 

Michael Passilla, Chair of the Special Committee, said: “After a comprehensive evaluation of the proposal, a rigorous valuation analysis, and extensive negotiations with Tom and his affiliates, we are delivering a transaction that provides compelling and certain value to Priority’s unaffiliated stockholders. We believe this is the best path for the unaffiliated stockholders to realize the significant value from their investment in the Company.”

 

Thomas Priore, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Priority, said: “I am pleased to have reached an agreement that delivers meaningful value to our stockholders and positions the Company to achieve our vision for Connected Commerce. I am deeply proud of what our team has built, and I am excited to lead the Company into this promising next chapter.”

 

Independent Review and Valuation Process

 

As previously announced, the Special Committee was established by the Company’s Board of Directors to evaluate the Investor Group’s Initial Proposal. Following a rigorous valuation analysis and comprehensive review of the Initial Proposal, the Special Committee engaged in extensive negotiations with the Investor Group, including with Mr. Priore, who had informed the Special Committee that he does not intend to sell his stake in the Company to any third party, as disclosed in the Schedule 13D filed in December 2025. The negotiations resulted in improved transaction terms, including a more than 30% price increase, for the benefit of Priority’s unaffiliated stockholders.

 

 

 

 

The Board of Directors, having received the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee, determined that the proposed transaction is in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board recommends that Priority stockholders vote in favor of the proposed transaction at a special meeting of shareholders that will be held to vote on the transaction.

 

Transaction Details and Approvals

 

Subject to the satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the Agreement, holders of the Company’s common stock (other than shares held by the Investor Group) will receive $8.05 per share in cash at the closing of the transaction.

 

The transaction is being financed, in part, by equity commitments from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P. (“Searchlight”), and is not subject to any financing conditions.

 

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and approval by the holders of a majority of Priority’s common stock that are not affiliated with the Investor Group.

 

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2027. Upon completion of the transaction, the Company will be a privately held company, and its common stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

 

Additional information regarding the transaction will be filed by Priority with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in a Current Report on Form 8-K. The Company also plans to file a proxy statement and a Rule 13e-3 transaction statement with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies from stockholders to vote in favor of the adoption of the Agreement.

 

Advisors

 

Barclays is serving as exclusive financial advisor to the Special Committee. Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Special Committee.

 

TD Securities is serving as exclusive placement agent to the Investor Group. McDermott Will & Schulte LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Investor Group.

 

Nixon Peabody LLP is serving as legal counsel to the Company. Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal counsel to Searchlight.

 

About Priority

 

Priority Commerce delivers payments and banking solutions that power connected commerce. Through a unified platform of payables, merchant services, and banking and treasury, we help businesses manage money more effectively and unlock growth. The Priority Commerce Engine accelerates cash flow, improves working capital, reduces costs, and creates new revenue opportunities. Learn more about Priority Commerce (NASDAQ: PRTH) at prioritycommerce.com.

 

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About Searchlight

 

Searchlight is a global private investment firm with $17 billion in assets under management and offices in London, New York, Miami and Toronto. Founded on the principle that creative, engaged ownership creates superior outcomes, Searchlight partners with management teams to build market-leading businesses across its core sectors of telecommunications, media, business, industrial and financial services. Searchlight seeks to invest in businesses where its flexible approach and strategic support accelerate value creation for all stakeholders, leveraging deep sector expertise and a global network to help portfolio companies realize their full potential. For more information, please visit www.searchlightcap.com.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “will” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger may not be completed by the outside date; (ii) the failure to obtain the required approval of Priority’s stockholders; (iii) the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions to the merger, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals related to state money transmitter licenses or the implementation of alternative compliance arrangements; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (v) potential litigation relating to the merger, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Priority’s business relationships, results of operations and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees; (vii) risks that the proposed merger may disrupt current plans and operations; (viii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; (ix) the risk that the price of Priority’s common stock may decline significantly if the merger is not completed; and (x) the risks and uncertainties described in Priority’s filings with the SEC, including Priority’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

We caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our SEC filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026. These filings are available online at www.sec.gov or www.prioritycommerce.com.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

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Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Agreement, the Company plans to file a proxy statement and certain other documents with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AGREEMENT. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and other documents that are filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) and at the Company’s website at https://ir.prioritycommerce.com/.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of the Company in connection with the merger. Additional information regarding the identity of any such participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the Agreement, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

 

Contacts:

 

Investors

 

priorityIR@icrinc.com

 

For the Special Committee

 

Paul Caminiti / Delia Cannan

Reevemark

(212) 433-4600

PRTH-Special-Cmte@reevemark.com

 

 

 

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Exhibit 99.2

 

Employee Note

 

 

From: The Desk of Tom Priore

To: All Employees

Subject: Important News

 

Team,

 

This morning, we announced that Priority Commerce has entered into a definitive agreement for an investor group led by me to acquire all outstanding shares of the company’s common stock that the group does not already own. Priority’s common stockholders who are not affiliated with the Investor Group will receive $8.05 per share in cash at the close of the transaction.

 

I recognize that a change of this significance naturally brings questions, but I am confident this best positions Priority Commerce to achieve our vision for connected commerce. This announcement does not change our day-to-day operations, and there are no changes to roles, compensation, benefits, or the way we work.

 

We expect the transaction to close in the first half of 2027. Until then, Priority remains a publicly traded company and will continue to operate as such.

 

We will hold an All-Hands Town Hall on Thursday, October 1, at 9:30 a.m. ET to discuss our key objectives for the remainder of the year as well as provide more context on this transaction. Please look for a calendar invitation with joining details later this week.

 

In the interim, we encourage you to review the FAQ that we posted on our Investor Relations page. If you have questions not covered by the FAQ, please reach out to your manager. If one of your business partners or customers has a question that is not covered by the FAQ, please let your team leader know and we will do our best to get an answer.

 

As always, if you receive any inquiries from the media about this news, please do not comment – you can refer the questions to media@prioritycommerce.com.

 

Thank you for your continued focus on our customers and one another. We are excited about this next chapter for Priority Commerce and look forward to speaking with you all soon.

 

Best regards,

Tom

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “will” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger may not be completed by the outside date; (ii) the failure to obtain the required approval of Priority’s stockholders; (iii) the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions to the merger, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals related to state money transmitter licenses or the implementation of alternative compliance arrangements; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (v) potential litigation relating to the merger, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Priority’s business relationships, results of operations and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees; (vii) risks that the proposed merger may disrupt current plans and operations; (viii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; (ix) the risk that the price of Priority’s common stock may decline significantly if the merger is not completed; and (x) the risks and uncertainties described in Priority’s filings with the SEC, including Priority’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

 

 

 

We caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our SEC filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026. These filings are available online at www.sec.gov or www.prioritycommerce.com.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Agreement, the Company plans to file a proxy statement and certain other documents with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AGREEMENT. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and other documents that are filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) and at the Company’s website at https://ir.prioritycommerce.com/.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of the Company in connection with the merger. Additional information regarding the identity of any such participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the Agreement, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

 

 

Transaction FAQ

 

 

1.What was announced?

 

We announced that Priority Technology Holdings has entered into a definitive agreement with an Investor Group led by Priority Chairman and CEO Thomas Priore to take the company private.

 

The Investor Group will acquire all outstanding shares of Priority’s common stock that it does not already own for $8.05 in cash.

 

The transaction was unanimously recommended by a special committee of independent and disinterested directors of Priority (the “Special Committee”).

 

The Board of Directors approved the transaction upon the unanimous recommendation of the Special Committee.

 

2.What are the terms of the transaction?

 

The Investor Group will acquire all outstanding shares of Priority’s common stock that it does not already own for $8.05 per share in cash.

 

The transaction represents a:

 

65% premium to the PRTH closing stock price on November 7, 2025, the last trading day prior to official receipt and confirmation of the take-private proposal,

 

38% premium to the Company’s share price on September 18, 2026, the last trading day prior to the announcement of the definitive agreement, and

 

2% premium to the Company’s 52-week high share price of $7.91 on October 9, 2025.

 

The transaction is being financed, in part, by equity commitments from funds advised by Searchlight Capital Partners, L.P., and is not subject to any financing conditions.

 

More details about the agreement will be available in Priority’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) in connection with the transaction.

 

3.What are the benefits of this transaction?

 

We believe the transaction provides compelling and certain value to Priority’s unaffiliated stockholders, and that this is the best path for the unaffiliated stockholders to realize significant value from their investment in the Company.

 

4.Did the Board run a thorough process? What drove the timing?

 

The Special Committee was established by the Company’s Board of Directors to evaluate the Investor Group’s Initial Proposal.

 

Following a rigorous valuation analysis and comprehensive review of the Initial Proposal, the Special Committee engaged in extensive negotiations with the Investor Group, including with Mr. Priore, who had informed the Special Committee that he does not intend to sell his stake in the Company to any third party, as disclosed in the Schedule 13D filed in December 2025.

 

The negotiations resulted in improved transaction terms, including a more than 30% improvement in price, for the benefit of Priority’s unaffiliated stockholders.

 

 

 

 

5.What happens next?

 

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and approval at a special meeting of the Company’s stockholders by the holders of a majority of Priority’s common stock that are not affiliated with the Investor Group.

 

Priority plans to file additional materials with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies from stockholders to vote in favor of the adoption of the Agreement.

 

Upon completion of the transaction, the Company’s common stock will no longer be listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market. Until all closing conditions of the transaction are satisfied, including approval by our unaffiliated shareholders, Priority remains a publicly traded company and will continue to operate as such.

 

6.What will the organizational structure of the company look like as a private company?

 

Priority’s current management team, including Thomas Priore, intend to continue to lead Priority.

 

7.What does this transaction mean for Priority customers?

 

It is business as usual at Priority, and there are no changes to Priority’s relationships or how it supports its customers.

 

The Priority team remains focused on delivering the same high quality of service and partnership to its customers.

 

8.What does this transaction mean for Priority’s business partners?

 

This announcement does not change Priority’s existing partnerships, contracts or day-to-day points of contact.

 

We remain committed to working closely with our reseller, distribution, software, financial institution and other business partners to continue supporting and delivering innovative payments and embedded finance solutions to our customers.

 

9.What does this mean for employees?

 

It remains business as usual. There are no changes to our day-to-day operations.

 

We will remain focused on achieving our vision for Connected Commerce.

 

10.Will any titles, compensation, benefits, job responsibilities or reporting structures change?

 

No. There are no changes to roles, compensation, benefits, or the way we work.

 

11.How will equity, including employee RSUs and PSUs, be treated upon closing?

 

Upon closing, each share of common stock will be converted to $8.05 in cash.

 

Granted but unvested RSUs and PSUs will fully vest at closing with PSUs vesting at their target level performance thresholds.

 

Vested stock options with an exercise price lower than $8.05 will be paid out in cash for the difference between the two amounts, subject to applicable withholding taxes.

 

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12.Will employees who own Priority stock be able to vote on the transaction?

 

Yes. Employees who own Priority common stock will have the same voting rights as all other Priority stockholders.

 

Priority plans to file materials with the SEC that will include important information, including instructions for voting.

 

13.When will the transaction be complete?

 

We expect the transaction will be completed in the first half of 2027, subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the holders of a majority of Priority’s common stock that are not affiliated with the Investor Group.

 

14.What does it mean to be a private company?

 

Upon completion of the transaction, the Company’s common stock will no longer be listed or traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market, and we will cease to be an SEC reporting company.

 

The change in ownership will not change our fundamental business or our day-to-day operations.

 

We will remain focused on achieving our vision for Connected Commerce.

 

15.Where can I find out more information?

 

More information about the transaction can be found in Priority’s press release issued September 21, 2026, and in the Company’s SEC filings.

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “will” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger may not be completed by the outside date; (ii) the failure to obtain the required approval of Priority’s stockholders; (iii) the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions to the merger, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals related to state money transmitter licenses or the implementation of alternative compliance arrangements; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (v) potential litigation relating to the merger, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Priority’s business relationships, results of operations and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees; (vii) risks that the proposed merger may disrupt current plans and operations; (viii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; (ix) the risk that the price of Priority’s common stock may decline significantly if the merger is not completed; and (x) the risks and uncertainties described in Priority’s filings with the SEC, including Priority’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

3

 

 

We caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our SEC filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026. These filings are available online at www.sec.gov or www.prioritycommerce.com.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Agreement, the Company plans to file a proxy statement and certain other documents with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AGREEMENT. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and other documents that are filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) and at the Company’s website at https://ir.prioritycommerce.com/.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of the Company in connection with the merger. Additional information regarding the identity of any such participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the Agreement, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

 

4

 

Exhibit 99.4

 

 

 

LinkedIn Post

 

Caption:

 

Today, we are excited to announce that Priority Technology Holdings has entered into a definitive agreement with an Investor Group led by Priority Chairman and CEO Thomas Priore to take the company private. Through the transaction, Priority stockholders will receive $8.05/share in cash, a 65% premium to the unaffected $PRTH share price. We believe this transaction positions Priority to achieve our vision for Connected Commerce and provides compelling and certain value to Priority’s unaffiliated stockholders.

 

Graphic:

 

 

Forward Looking Statements

 

This communication contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan” and “will” or, in each case, their negative, or other variations or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) the risk that the merger may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, including the risk that the merger may not be completed by the outside date; (ii) the failure to obtain the required approval of Priority’s stockholders; (iii) the failure to satisfy the other closing conditions to the merger, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals related to state money transmitter licenses or the implementation of alternative compliance arrangements; (iv) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the Merger Agreement; (v) potential litigation relating to the merger, including the effects of any outcomes related thereto; (vi) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the merger on Priority’s business relationships, results of operations and business generally, including the ability to retain key employees; (vii) risks that the proposed merger may disrupt current plans and operations; (viii) the amount of the costs, fees, expenses and charges related to the merger; (ix) the risk that the price of Priority’s common stock may decline significantly if the merger is not completed; and (x) the risks and uncertainties described in Priority’s filings with the SEC, including Priority’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

  

  

We caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed in our SEC filings, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2026. These filings are available online at www.sec.gov or www.prioritycommerce.com.

 

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

 

Important Additional Information and Where to Find It

 

In connection with the Agreement, the Company plans to file a proxy statement and certain other documents with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement (if and when available) will be mailed to stockholders of the Company. This communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION, STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT ARE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE AGREEMENT. Stockholders will be able to obtain, free of charge, copies of the proxy statement and other documents that are filed by the Company when filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov) and at the Company’s website at https://ir.prioritycommerce.com/.

 

Participants in the Solicitation

 

The Company and certain of its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders of the Company in connection with the merger. Additional information regarding the identity of any such participants, and their respective direct and indirect interests in the Agreement, by security holdings or otherwise, will be set forth in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Agreement. You may obtain free copies of these documents using the sources indicated above.

 

  

 

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