Centerbridge Partners Acquires MeridianLink for $1.6 Billion

Centerbridge Partners has agreed to acquire MeridianLink, Inc. for $1.6 billion in cash and debt financing. The deal is subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, with an expected closing in the second half of 2025. MeridianLink will remain headquartered in Irvine, California, and its common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

Centerbridge Partners, L.P. has agreed to acquire MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK) for $1.6 billion in cash and debt financing. The deal, which is subject to shareholder approval and regulatory clearance, is expected to close in the second half of 2025. Upon completion, MeridianLink will remain headquartered in Irvine, California, and its common stock will no longer be listed on any public market.

The acquisition involves a cash consideration of $23.32 million valued at $8.04 per share and $1.62 billion valued at $20 per share, with additional payments towards Restricted Stock Units, common equity, and options. The transaction will be financed through senior debt of $1.36 billion. In case of termination, Centerbridge Partners, L.P. will pay a termination fee of $98.60 million, and MeridianLink will pay a termination fee of $47.70 million [1].

MeridianLink's Board of Directors has unanimously approved the transaction, and approximately 55% of its shareholders have agreed to vote in favor of the deal. The company, which provides modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies, is expected to benefit from Centerbridge's expertise in financial services and technology [2].

The acquisition is a significant move for both companies, positioning MeridianLink to accelerate product innovation, harness the power of AI and data, and enhance customer experiences. Centerbridge, known for its partnerships with exceptional companies at the intersection of finance and technology, aims to unlock the potential of MeridianLink's platform capabilities and grow its market share [2].

MeridianLink's second quarter 2025 financial results will be available at https://ir.meridianlink.com, and its financial results conference call scheduled for August 11, 2025, has been canceled due to the announced transaction [2].

References:
[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/funds-advised-by-affiliates-of-centerbridge-partners-l-p-entered-into-a-agreement-and-plan-of-merg-ce7c5ed2d08cf120
[2] https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/markets-news/Business%20Wire/34045925/meridianlink-to-be-acquired-by-centerbridge-partners-for-2-0-billion/