MeridianLink, Inc. (NYSE: MLNK), a provider of modern software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies, has entered into a definitive agreement under which funds advised by affiliates of Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a global investment firm, will Acquire MeridianLink. The all-cash transaction values the company at approximately $2.0 billion in enterprise value. Upon completion, MeridianLink will become privately held.
Transaction Overview
Under the agreement, MeridianLink shareholders will receive $20.00 per share in cash for each share of common stock. This purchase price reflects a premium of roughly 26% over the closing price of MeridianLink shares on August 8, 2025, the last full trading day before the announcement.
The Board of Directors of MeridianLink has unanimously approved the transaction. Shareholders representing about 55% of the company’s common stock have already agreed to vote in favor of the deal. Closing is expected in the second half of 2025, subject to shareholder approval, regulatory clearance, and customary closing conditions.
Following the acquisition, MeridianLink’s common stock will be delisted from public markets, and the company will remain headquartered in Irvine, California.
Strategic Rationale and Leadership Comments
Larry Katz, President and CEO-designate of MeridianLink, said the acquisition marks a significant opportunity for growth and innovation. “Today’s announcement to Acquire MeridianLink is a strong endorsement of our leading digital lending platform that serves nearly 2,000 community financial institutions and reporting agencies,” Katz stated. “Together with Centerbridge, we will accelerate product innovation, harness the power of AI and data, and enhance customer experiences.”
Current CEO Nicolaas Vlok expressed confidence in the company’s future under new ownership. “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,” he said.
Board Chair Ed McDermott noted that the decision followed a comprehensive review process. “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,” McDermott said.
Centerbridge Perspective
Centerbridge Partners emphasized its interest in supporting MeridianLink’s growth in the evolving financial technology sector. Senior Managing Director Jared Hendricks and Managing Director Ben Jaffe highlighted the company’s potential to help financial institutions enhance digital lending and credit reporting capabilities.
“At Centerbridge, we have a proven track record of partnering with exceptional companies at the intersection of finance and technology,” Hendricks and Jaffe said in a joint statement. “We are thrilled to work with Larry Katz and the Company’s talented team to enhance MeridianLink’s platform capabilities and expand relationships with customers.”
Advisors
MeridianLink’s lead financial advisor is Centerview Partners LLC, with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC also serving as a financial advisor. Goodwin Procter LLP is acting as legal counsel, and Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is providing strategic communications support.
Centerbridge is being advised by Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis as legal counsel. Kekst CNC is serving as its strategic communications advisor.
Financial Results Update
In a separate announcement, MeridianLink released its second quarter 2025 financial results, available on the company’s investor relations website. The previously scheduled financial results conference call for August 11, 2025, has been canceled due to the pending agreement to Acquire MeridianLink.
