Bumble entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Ithaca Holdings in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.3 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bumble shareholders will receive $6.05 in cash for each share of Class A common stock.
The purchase price represents an approximately 138% premium to Bumble’s unaffected closing share price on October 9, 2026.
It also represents an approximately 119% premium to the company’s 30-day volume-weighted average share price as of October 9.
Bumble’s independent Special Committee, supported by independent legal and financial advisors, evaluated a range of strategic alternatives before recommending the transaction.
The Special Committee concluded that the Ithaca transaction represented the best outcome for Bumble’s public and unaffiliated shareholders.
Bumble’s Board of Directors unanimously approved the deal following the committee’s recommendation, excluding founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd, who recused herself from the deliberations and vote.
Affiliates of Blackstone and Wolfe Herd subsequently approved the transaction by written shareholder consent, providing the required shareholder approval.
Following completion of the transaction, Bumble will become a privately held company.
The company is expected to remain headquartered in Austin and continue operating offices in Austin, London, and New York City.
Ithaca Holdings Co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will become Co-CEOs of Bumble following closing.
They plan to work closely with Wolfe Herd, who will remain actively involved with the company.
Ithaca describes its strategy as using frontier technology to renew and accelerate businesses that can create long-term value in an AI-driven environment.
The firm said it sees significant potential to build on Bumble’s existing brand, community, and mission as technology and consumer dating behavior continue to evolve.
Bumble was founded by Wolfe Herd in 2014 and operates Bumble, Badoo, and BFF.
The company’s platforms span dating and friendship, with Bumble originally built around a women-first approach to online dating.
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are serving as financial advisors to Bumble’s Special Committee, while Davis Polk & Wardwell is serving as legal advisor.
Kirkland & Ellis is serving as legal advisor to Ithaca Holdings, with KKR Capital Markets acting as capital markets advisor.
Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is advising Wolfe Herd, while Simpson Thacher & Bartlett is advising Blackstone.
In light of the transaction, Bumble does not plan to issue a separate third-quarter 2026 earnings release or host an earnings conference call.
The company expects to file its Form 10-Q with the SEC by November 9, 2026.
KEY QUOTES:
“The Special Committee was formed to conduct an independent review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for our public and unaffiliated shareholders. Supported by independent legal and financial advisors, the Committee thoroughly evaluated all available paths and determined that this transaction with Ithaca represents the best outcome for our shareholders. We appreciate the management team’s collaboration throughout our evaluation process.”
Ann Mather, Chair of Bumble’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Special Committee
“Bumble was founded on a simple belief: meaningful relationships are essential to a healthy, happy life. Today, that belief feels more important than ever. I am incredibly grateful to the entire Bumble team, whose dedication and belief in our mission have made this company what it is today. In Ithaca, we have found a partner who shares our vision, believes in our women-first mission, and is committed to investing in Bumble’s future. I am grateful to the Special Committee for their thoughtful work and am pleased to support this transaction based on the Board’s recommendation. As Bumble’s Founder, my belief in this company and its potential to positively impact people around the world has never been stronger. That is why I will remain actively involved with Bumble. I believe deeply in Bumble’s future, and I look forward to working alongside Ravi, John, and the Bumble team as we continue to innovate, create meaningful connections, and write the next chapter of Bumble’s story. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”
Whitney Wolfe Herd, Founder and CEO of Bumble
“Technology should work in service of our deepest source of fulfillment, human connection, and this investment is a bet on the future of humanity. People and societies will always need connection, relationships, love, and family, and we are excited to build on Bumble’s legacy and share its mission with the next generation of members. Bumble has a unique combination of essential attributes, including its trusted brand and loyal community. As technology and dating habits evolve, we see huge potential to take it into the next era together, building on the foundation Whitney and the talented Bumble team have built. Whitney has a clear vision and strong principles, and we’re grateful for her partnership as we carry her mission forward together.”
Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman, Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Ithaca Holdings
