Press Release: In the private equity and data analytics sectors, Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. The transaction, valued at approximately $7.7 billion including outstanding debt, offers Dun & Bradstreet shareholders $9.15 in cash per share, representing an equity value of $4.1 billion.
Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc.
Founded in 1841 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, Dun & Bradstreet is a leading global provider of business decisioning data and analytics. The company offers a comprehensive suite of solutions that empower organizations to make informed decisions, manage risk, and identify growth opportunities
Over the past six years, Dun & Bradstreet has undergone a strategic transformation, achieving approximately 40% revenue growth and a 60% increase in EBITDA. The company has also expanded its margins by nearly 600 basis points and reduced leverage from 9 times to 3.6 times.
Clearlake Capital Group, L.P.
Based in Santa Monica, California, Clearlake Capital Group is a private equity firm specializing in sector-focused investments. The firm integrates private equity, special situations, and credit strategies, focusing on sectors such as technology, industrials, and consumer. Clearlake’s approach involves partnering with management teams to drive long-term value creation in its portfolio companies.
Transaction Details and Strategic Implications
The acquisition has been unanimously approved by Dun & Bradstreet’s Board of Directors. The agreement includes a “go-shop” provision, allowing Dun & Bradstreet to solicit alternative proposals within a specified period
Anthony Jabbour, CEO of Dun & Bradstreet, stated, “We have been on a strategic journey over the last six years, executing a major transformation that has strengthened our business and financial results… We are pleased to be partnering with Clearlake on this new leg of that journey.”
Behdad Eghbali, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Clearlake, commented, “Dun & Bradstreet has built a trusted, globally recognized brand and has amassed a preeminent set of data and analytics that empower organizations of all sizes. As companies become more data-centric in their decisioning in this fast-paced world, we see vast potential for Dun & Bradstreet to deliver AI-powered solutions to their global client base
This acquisition underscores the ongoing trend of private equity firms investing in data and analytics companies, recognizing the growing importance of data-driven decision-making in the business landscape.