in the biggest u.s. ipo of 2015 according to bloomberg, first data planned to seek a minimum of $2.5 billion, even up to $3.2 billion (according to "bloomberg") or $3.7 billion (according to the "wall street journal"). in october that year, first data sold 160 million shares for $16 apiece, after offering them for $18 and $20. it raised $2.56 billion. according to "bloomberg": "lowering first data's debt level will be an important step for the company because it will free up money to invest in the business".