First Data Corporation is a global payment technology solutions company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company was founded in 1971 and has grown to become one of the largest payment processors in the world.
History of First Data
First Data was founded in 1971 as First Data Resources Inc. It was established as a subsidiary of American Express and spun off as an independent public company in 1992. In 1980, First Data acquired TeleCheck, entering the check verification and guarantee business. In 1995, the company acquired First Financial Management Corp. (FFMC), expanding its merchant processing business. Other key acquisitions include Concord EFS, Inc. in 2004, which added more capabilities in PIN-based debit processing.
Early Years
In the early years after being spun off from American Express, First Data focused on expanding its leadership in payment processing services. Some key events:
- 1992 – First Data launches the FIRSTLINK network, connecting automated teller machines globally.
- 1995 – Acquisition of FFMC grows merchant processing business.
- 1997 – Western Union financial services business acquired.
Expansion in the 2000s
Major events for First Data in the 2000s:
- 2004 – Concord EFS acquisition makes First Data the largest PIN debit processor.
- 2007 – Taken private in one of the largest leveraged buyouts at the time.
- 2009 – First Data begins operating the Visa and Mastercard card processing platforms in the UK.
First Data Headquarters Location
The First Data headquarters is located at:
5565 Glenridge Connector Atlanta, GA 30342
This is located in the Perimeter Center area, just outside the city limits of Atlanta. The company’s headquarters office is situated close to Perimeter Mall and offers access to major highways including I-285 and GA-400.
First Data Corporate Offices
In addition to the main headquarters building, First Data has other corporate offices located around Atlanta and the rest of the United States:
- Technology and Innovation Center – Atlanta, GA
- Corporate Offices – Chicago, IL
- Office Complex – Omaha, NE
The company also has major operations centers in Omaha, NE and Denver, CO. There are over 100 office locations worldwide in total when subsidiaries and international branches are accounted for.
| Office Location | Address |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | 5565 Glenridge Connector, Atlanta, GA 30342 |
| Technology and Innovation Center | 5600 Glenridge Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30342 |
| Chicago Office | 233 S Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60606 |
| Omaha Office Complex | 5700 Pacific St, Omaha, NE 68106 |
First Data Global Headquarters Building
The First Data global headquarters is a 14-story building located on a 28-acre corporate campus. Here are some details on the headquarters building:
- Approximately 600,000 square feet
- LEED Gold certified for sustainability
- Houses executive offices, sales teams, technology groups
- Onsite amenities include cafeteria, fitness center, bank branch
The campus has a central courtyard and outdoor collaboration spaces. First Data relocated to this new $100 million global headquarters building in 2009 after being based elsewhere in the Atlanta area.
First Data Locations Worldwide
While headquartered in Atlanta, First Data has major offices and operations around the world:
- Over 100 office locations globally
- Operations centers in US, UK, Brazil, Malaysia, Egypt, India
- Employees in over 100 countries
This global footprint allows First Data to serve clients and partners internationally with localized services and support.
Conclusion
First Data’s headquarters has been located in Atlanta, Georgia ever since the company was spun off from American Express in the early 1990s. Its main corporate office campus is situated in the Perimeter Center outside Atlanta. First Data’s global headquarters building at 5565 Glenridge Connector houses 600,000 square feet of executive offices, technology centers, and sales teams. While headquartered in Atlanta, First Data maintains over 100 office locations around the world as a leading payment technology and services provider.