Global payments giant Mastercard will invest 300 million dollars as a cornerstone investor in the planned London float of payments processor Network International.

Dubai-based Network International is the largest payments processor in the Middle East and Africa and set to be the first international IPO in London this year.

Network International is targeting a valuation of around 3 billion dollars according to banking sources.

Mastercard said it would invest in shared projects with Network International in the Middle East and Africa as part of the deal.

Network International is currently jointly owned by Dubai bank Emirates NBD and private equity firms Warburg Pincus and General Atlantic

Mastercard said its investment would be based on the same terms as institutional investors participating in the IPO.

The deal is subject to Mastercard’s ownership being limited to 9.99 per cent and Network International achieving a free float of at least 25 per cent.

(Reuters/NAN)