Centerbridge Acquires MeridianLink, Takes Company Private, Delists from NYSE

ML Holdco, Inc., an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners, announced the completion of its acquisition of MeridianLink, Inc. on October 24, 2025, transitioning the financial software provider to private ownership. MeridianLink shareholders are to receive $20.00 in cash for each share of common stock.

The transaction led to MeridianLink's common stock ceasing trading and its delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. The company intends to suspend its reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The aggregate purchase price for all outstanding MeridianLink common stock totaled approximately $1.6 billion. Funding for the acquisition was provided by equity contributions from funds managed by Centerbridge Capital Partners IV L.P. and third-party debt financing. Silversmith Capital Partners also participated through a minority investment.

Under the merger agreement, each MeridianLink share was converted into $20.00 in cash. Outstanding stock options were cashed out based on the difference between the merger consideration and their exercise price, while restricted stock units were converted into rights to receive cash payments, subject to continued employment and vesting schedules.

In conjunction with the merger's closing, MeridianLink terminated its credit agreement dated November 10, 2021, with all outstanding principal, interest, and fees fully satisfied. The company's certificate of incorporation and by-laws were amended and restated.

Effective with the merger, board members resigned from MeridianLink. Benjamin Jaffe and Jared Hendricks became directors of the surviving corporation, while the existing officers of MeridianLink retained their positions. MeridianLink's Chief Financial Officer, Elias Olmeta, received a transaction bonus of $750,000, contingent on the merger's completion and his continued employment.

MeridianLink President and CEO Larry Katz stated, "We are excited to accelerate our digital lending trajectory with Centerbridge and Silversmith. Together we will unlock the potential of our trusted, mission-critical, and scalable platform by accelerating automation, harnessing the power of AI and data, and improving customer experiences." Jared Hendricks and Ben Jaffe, Managing Directors at Centerbridge, expressed their anticipation of supporting the company's future innovation, and Todd MacLean, Managing Partner at Silversmith, highlighted the significant growth opportunities.

MeridianLink provides cloud-based software solutions for digital lending, account opening, background screening, and data verification. The company has over 25 years of experience in democratizing lending.