Centerbridge Partners To Acquire Meridianlink For $2b

On Monday, MeridianLink, Inc. announced that it has agreed to be acquired by funds advised by affiliates of Centerbridge Partners, L.P.

Centerbridge, a global investment firm, is acquiring the company in an all-cash transaction that values the Company at an enterprise value of approximately $2.0 billion. MeridianLInk, recognized in the 2025 HousingWire Tech100, provides software platforms for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies.

Under the terms of the agreement, MeridianLink shareholders will receive $20.00 per share in cash for each share of common stock they own.

MeridianLink’s board unanimously approved the deal, which is expected to close in the second half of 2025 pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Investors holding about 55% of the company’s common stock have agreed to support the transaction. Once completed, MeridianLink will be privately held and remain headquartered in Irvine, California.

“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,” Larry Katz, president and CEO-designate of MeridianLink, said. “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.”

The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 26% over the closing price of MeridianLink shares as of Aug. 8, 2025, the last full trading day before the transaction announcement.

“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,” said Jared Hendricks, senior managing director, Centerbridge, and Ben Jaffe, managing director, Centerbridge.

“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.”

Centerview Partners is the lead financial advisor, and Goodwin Procter is the legal advisor to MeridianLink, with J.P. Morgan Securities also providing financial advice. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher is serving as strategic communications advisor to MeridianLink.

For Centerbridge, Goldman Sachs is the financial advisor, Kirkland & Ellis legal counsel, and Kekst CNC communications advisor.

For the second quarter of 2025, MeridianLink posted revenue of $84.6 million, an increase of 8% year-over-year.

The company reported lending software solutions revenue of $68.7 million in the quarter, up 12% from a year earlier. Operating income was $5.2 million, or 6% of revenue, while non-GAAP operating income reached $23 million, or 27%.

The company posted a net loss of $3 million, or 4% of revenue, and adjusted EBITDA of $38.4 million, or 45%. Cash flow from operations totaled $19.2 million, or 23% of revenue, and free cash flow was $17.1 million, or 20%.

Just after the second quarter closed on June 30, MeridianLink welcomed Denise Cox as its chief customer officer in mid-July.