Priority Technology Stock Surges on $1.6B Go-Private Deal Led by CEO

Priority Technology Holdings (PRTH) stock surged in pre-market trading after the company announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired and taken private by an investor group led by its Chairman and CEO, Thomas Priore. The all-cash deal values the payments and banking fintech company at an enterprise value of approximately $1.6 billion.

The Acquisition Agreement

Under the terms of the deal announced late Friday, the investor group will acquire all outstanding shares of Priority Technology for $8.05 per share in cash. The transaction, which was reviewed by a special committee of independent directors, will result in the company becoming privately held upon completion.

The definitive agreement brings a conclusion to months of negotiations and uncertainty surrounding the company's ownership. The buyout price of $8.05 per share is slightly above the stock's 52-week high of $7.91.

Background and Context

The final offer represents a significant increase from a non-binding preliminary proposal made by the same investor group in November 2025. That initial bid, which ranged from $6.00 to $6.15 per share, had drawn criticism from activist shareholders who argued it substantially undervalued the company.

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The revised and now-binding price is seen as a notable concession to minority shareholders. The special committee of independent directors was formed specifically to evaluate the go-private proposal and negotiate on behalf of all shareholders.

Market Reaction

Investors reacted swiftly to the news, sending shares of Priority Technology up by 32.9% in pre-open trading. The stock's price moved to trade near the $8.05 buyout price, signaling strong market confidence that the transaction will be completed as announced.

The surge reflects the removal of uncertainty that had weighed on the stock since the initial proposal last year. The market is now pricing in the value of the definitive cash offer.