10:22 AM EDT, 08/11/2025 (MT Newswires) -- MeridianLink ( MLNK ) on Monday agreed to be acquired and taken private by funds advised by affiliates of investment firm Centerbridge Partners in an all-cash deal that values the company at about $2 billion.

Shareholders of MeridianLink ( MLNK ), which provides software solutions for financial institutions and consumer reporting agencies, will receive $20 per share in cash under the terms of the transaction. The acquisition price represents a 26% premium to the company's closing share price on Friday.

MeridianLink's ( MLNK ) shares jumped 24% in Monday trade.

"Together with Centerbridge, we will unlock the potential of this company by accelerating product innovation, harnessing the power of (artificial intelligence) and data, and enhancing the delivery of exceptional customer experiences," MeridianLink's ( MLNK ) chief executive-designate, Larry Katz, said in a statement. Katz is set to take over as CEO of the company in October.

The deal, which requires approval from regulators and clearance from MeridianLink's ( MLNK ) stockholders, is expected to complete in the second half. Investors owning 55% of the firm's shares have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction, it said.

MeridianLink ( MLNK ) stock will no longer trade publicly after the deal closes. It will remain headquartered in California.

"MeridianLink ( MLNK ) 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," according to Centerbridge Senior Managing Director Jared Hendricks and Managing Director Ben Jaffe. "We are thrilled to work with Larry Katz and the Company's talented team to enhance MeridianLink's ( MLNK ) platform capabilities and grow their wallet share with new and existing customers."

In a separate statement, MeridianLink ( MLNK ) reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.13 a share, up from $0.04 the year before, topping five FactSet-polled analysts' estimate of $0.10. Revenue improved 8% to $84.6 million, surpassing the Street's view of $81.8 million.

In light of its proposed acquisition by Centerbridge, the company cancelled its earnings conference call and suspended its full-year outlook for 2025.

Price: 19.69, Change: +3.81, Percent Change: +23.99