DENVER — First Data Corp. has gone private. The company has announced that its purchase by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the company's stockholders will receive $34 per share in cash. Shareholders approved the transaction at a special meeting on July 31, 2007.

First Data stock will cease to trade on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) at market close on 24 September. Under private ownership, First Data's common stock will no longer be listed on the NYSE.

With the transaction completed, Michael D. Capellas becomes First Data's new chairman and CEO, replacing Ric Duques, the company announced. Duques has served as chairman and CEO since November 2005, and previously served as chairman from 1992 to 2003 and CEO from 1987 to 2003. Capellas was previously CEO of MCI, president of Hewlett-Packard Company and chairman and CEO of Compaq Computer Corporation.

“Today, First Data begins a new era as a private company,” said Capellas. “The strength and experience of this new management team combined with our leading market position will serve as a critical foundation for what will be the next generation of First Data.”