MeridianLink has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by funds advised by affiliates of Centerbridge Partners in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2 billion. Following the completion of the transaction, MeridianLink will become a privately held company.
MeridianLink shareholders will receive $20 per share in cash for each share of common stock they own, representing a premium of approximately 26% over the closing price on August 8, 2025, the last full trading day before the announcement.
The Board of Directors of MeridianLink has unanimously approved the transaction, which is anticipated to close in the second half of 2025, pending approval by MeridianLink’s shareholders, regulatory approvals, and the fulfillment of customary closing conditions.
Shareholders holding approximately 55% of MeridianLink’s common stock have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the deal. Upon completion, MeridianLink’s common stock will cease to be listed on public markets, and the company will continue to be based in Irvine, California.
Advisors: Centerview Partners serves as the lead financial advisor, and Goodwin Procter serves as the legal advisor to MeridianLink. J.P. Morgan Securities also served as a financial advisor to MeridianLink. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher, serves as a strategic communications advisor to MeridianLink. Goldman Sachs is serving as financial advisor to Centerbridge, and Kirkland & Ellis is serving as its legal counsel. Kekst CNC is serving as a strategic communications advisor to Centerbridge.
KEY QUOTES:
“We are excited for the next chapter of innovation and growth with our partners at Centerbridge. Today’s announcement is a strong endorsement of our leading digital lending platform that serves nearly 2,000 community financial institutions and reporting agencies. Together with Centerbridge, we will unlock the potential of this company by accelerating product innovation, harnessing the power of AI and data, and enhancing the delivery of exceptional customer experiences. I am proud of this talented team and look forward to further building our trusted, mission-critical, scalable platform that empowers customers and the communities they serve.”
Larry Katz, President and CEO-designate of MeridianLink
“This is an exciting next step for MeridianLink. Our dedicated team has built our market-leading platform and partner ecosystem, and I am confident in the path forward for the Company, bolstered by Larry’s leadership and Centerbridge’s partnership.”
Nicolaas Vlok, chief executive officer of MeridianLink
“Over the last several years, our Board has carefully evaluated alternatives to maximize shareholder value. The Board thoroughly reviewed Centerbridge’s proposal with the assistance of independent financial and legal advisors and determined this transaction would create certain, compelling and immediate value for our shareholders at an attractive premium and position MeridianLink to increase its competitive edge in a rapidly changing technology landscape.”
Ed McDermott, Board chair of MeridianLink
“As the pace of change across the finance and tech sectors continues to accelerate, MeridianLink is uniquely positioned to help financial institutions enhance their digital lending and credit reporting capabilities to expand and deepen client relationships, unlock the potential of data and AI, and drive their growth. At Centerbridge, we have a proven track record of partnering with exceptional companies at the intersection of finance and technology to create value for customers and opportunities for employees. We believe in the importance of fostering a vibrant, modern banking system using market-leading technology. To that end, we are thrilled to work with Larry Katz and the Company’s talented team to enhance MeridianLink’s platform capabilities and grow their wallet share with new and existing customers.”
Jared Hendricks, Senior Managing Director, Centerbridge, and Ben Jaffe, Managing Director, Centerbridge
