Clearlake Capital Group Acquires Dun & Bradstreet for $7.7 Billion

News Summary

In a major move for Santa Monica, Clearlake Capital Group L.P. has announced their plans to acquire Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc. in a deal valued at $7.7 billion. The acquisition includes a $9.15 per share offer, significantly above the current stock value. With a 30-day go-shop period included, Dun & Bradstreet will have the chance to explore other offers before finalizing the deal. The acquisition has already received approval from Dun & Bradstreet’s Board of Directors and may transition the company to private ownership, setting the stage for new growth opportunities.

Santa Monica Takes the Spotlight with Big News!

Excitement is buzzing in Santa Monica, California, as Clearlake Capital Group L.P. has announced its intention to acquire Dun & Bradstreet Holdings Inc. in a deal valued at a whopping $7.7 billion. This big announcement came through early on March 24, and it’s definitely shaking things up for both companies and their stakeholders.

The Numbers Behind the Deal

To break it down, this acquisition isn’t just a simple buy; it involves taking on some debt too. Dun & Bradstreet’s equity alone stands at about $4.1 billion. Clearlake is prepared to offer $9.15 per share in cash for Dun & Bradstreet. That’s a sizable jump as the company’s stock closed at $8.73 on March 21, and it had been on an upward trend prior to the rumors about a buyout that started making the rounds back in August 2024.

A Chance for Higher Offers

Now, here’s where things get a bit more interesting! The agreement includes a 30-day go-shop period, allowing Dun & Bradstreet to look for other offers that might be better. This period gives them some room to explore if there are other buyers who might want to jump into the ring.

A Long Road to the Acquisition

Dun & Bradstreet has been mulling over potential sales for at least six months before this announcement, which means they’ve been thinking carefully about their future. The company expects to make a final decision on the acquisition by the end of the first quarter, so the clock is ticking!

A New Era for Dun & Bradstreet

This isn’t just any ordinary acquisition. Dun & Bradstreet has an impressive history that dates all the way back to 1841. Recently, in 2021, they moved their headquarters to a brand-new 218,700-square-foot building in Jacksonville, Florida, showing they are committed to growth. Over the last six years, the company has dramatically transformed itself, boosting its revenue by approximately 40% and its EBITDA by a striking 60%!

Leadership Continues Amid Changes

In good news for those who are fans of the current leadership, it’s expected that CEO Anthony Jabbour will remain with the company after the acquisition. Clearlake’s partners are particularly thrilled about the acquisition, expressing eagerness to help Dun & Bradstreet unlock its potential and bolster its growth even further.

Board Approval Secured

The acquisition has already received unanimous approval from Dun & Bradstreet’s Board of Directors. What’s next? This deal is also going to require a stamp of approval from shareholders and regulatory bodies, setting expectations for the transaction’s completion by the third quarter of 2025.

A Shift to Private Ownership

Once the acquisition is finalized, Dun & Bradstreet will transition to a privately held company, meaning its shares will no longer be available on public markets. This change could allow the company more flexibility to make bold moves without the pressures associated with being publicly traded.

Big Names Behind the Scenes

As with significant deals like this, there are big players behind the curtain. Dun & Bradstreet has secured financial advice from BofA Securities, working alongside legal counsel from Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP. Meanwhile, Clearlake has enlisted the help of major financial institutions like Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan to steer this major transaction.

Looking Ahead

The overarching goal of this acquisition? To position Dun & Bradstreet perfectly to deliver innovative AI-powered solutions for its clients. With Clearlake’s support, the company is gearing up for what could be an exciting new chapter in its long, storied history.

As this story unfolds, Santa Monica and Jacksonville are sure to keep an eye on the future of Dun & Bradstreet. Will they become the next big thing in AI solutions? Stay tuned!

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Additional Resources

• Bloomberg: Clearlake Agrees Deal to Buy Dun & Bradstreet for $4.1 Billion
• Business Wire: Dun & Bradstreet Enters Into a Definitive Agreement To Be Acquired by Clearlake Capital Group
• Jax Daily Record: California Investment Firm Buying Dun & Bradstreet for $7.7 Billion
• Wikipedia: Dun & Bradstreet
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Dun and Bradstreet