Verifone going private in $3.4 billion deal

Private equity firm Francisco Partners has agreed to buy payments technology company Verifone for around $3.4 billion (including nearly $850m of debt), or $23.04 per share (54% premium over Monday's closing price).

Bottom line: This is a very high-stakes turnaround, as Verifone shares closed yesterday at their lowest level since late 2009.

More from Bloomberg:

VeriFone, whose point-of-sale card readers are retail staples, has struggled with delays in transitioning to chip-card technology in the U.S. as a lengthy certification processes for the new payment terminals delayed domestic sales. The firm also faces increased competition from Silicon Valley upstarts such as Square.

Timeline: The deal includes a "go-shop" period that expires on May 24, during which time it can solicit superior offers.

Other parties: British Columbia Investment Management is joining Francisco on the buyside, while Qatalyst Partners represented Verifone. Prior Verifone owners include buyout firms Gores Group and GTCR.