MeridianLink to Go Private in $2 Billion Deal with Centerbridge Partners

Deal News | Aug 11, 2025 | Thoma Bravo

MeridianLink, a leading provider of digital software solutions for financial institutions, has announced its forthcoming acquisition by Centerbridge Partners, a global investment firm. The deal, valuing MeridianLink at approximately $2 billion, entails an all-cash transaction where shareholders will receive $20 per share, marking a 26% premium over the previous stock closing. Post-acquisition, MeridianLink will transition from a public to a private company, leveraging Centerbridge's financial sector exposure to further its growth. Larry Katz, soon-to-be President and CEO, anticipates harnessing AI and data to drive future innovations. The deal, expected to close in late 2025, has already received endorsement from MeridianLink’s board and a committed 55% shareholder vote. Key advisors include Centerview Partners and Goodwin Procter for MeridianLink, with Goldman Sachs and Kirkland & Ellis advising Centerbridge.

Sectors

  • Financial Technology
  • Private Equity

Geography

  • United States – MeridianLink is headquartered in Irvine, California, and Centerbridge has offices in New York.
  • United Kingdom – Centerbridge also operates out of London, indicating a broader international context.

Industry

  • Financial Technology – MeridianLink provides digital software solutions to financial institutions, categorizing it within the financial technology sector.
  • Private Equity – The article discusses the acquisition of MeridianLink by Centerbridge Partners, a private equity firm.

Financials

  • $2.0 billion – Enterprise value of the acquisition deal between MeridianLink and Centerbridge.
  • $20.00 per share – Cash payout per share of MeridianLink common stock within the acquisition deal.
  • 26% – Premium over the closing price of MeridianLink shares as of August 8, 2025.

Participants

NameRoleTypeDescription
MeridianLinkTarget CompanyCompanyMeridianLink is a provider of cloud-based software for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies.
Centerbridge PartnersBidding CompanyCompanyCenterbridge Partners is a private investment management firm acquiring MeridianLink.
Larry KatzPresident and CEO-designatePersonFuture President and CEO of MeridianLink who commented on the strategic direction post-acquisition.
Nicolaas VlokCEO of MeridianLinkPersonCurrent CEO of MeridianLink, expressing confidence in the acquisition outcome.
Centerview Partners LLCLead Financial Advisor to MeridianLinkCompanyActed as the main financial advisor to MeridianLink during the transaction.
Goodwin Procter LLPLegal Advisor to MeridianLinkCompanyProvided legal advice to MeridianLink during the transaction.
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLCFinancial Advisor to CenterbridgeCompanyServed as financial advisor to Centerbridge.