Dun & Bradstreet Merger Agreement: What You Need to Know
In September 2018, Dun & Bradstreet, the leading provider of commercial data, analytics, and insights, announced that it had reached an agreement to be taken private by an investor group led by CC Capital, Cannae Holdings, and Thomas H. Lee Partners. This deal, valued at $6.9 billion, was completed in February 2019, ending Dun & Bradstreet`s 171-year run as a public company.
The Dun & Bradstreet merger agreement is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it represents the largest leveraged buyout of a data company in history. Secondly, it is a reflection of the growing importance of data and analytics in today`s business landscape. And thirdly, it highlights the increasing trend towards consolidation in the data industry.
So, what does this mean for businesses and customers who rely on Dun & Bradstreet for their commercial data needs? Here are some key takeaways:
1. New owners, new focus: With the takeover by CC Capital and its partners, Dun & Bradstreet will be under new ownership and management. This could lead to changes in the company`s strategic direction and focus. However, the investor group has stated that it intends to “accelerate Dun & Bradstreet`s transformation and growth,” so customers can expect to see continued investment in new products and services.
2. Data privacy concerns: As with any data company, Dun & Bradstreet holds a vast amount of sensitive information about businesses and individuals. The takeover by a private equity firm raises questions about how this data will be used and protected. However, Dun & Bradstreet has stated that it will continue to operate under the highest standards of data security and privacy.
3. Consolidation in the data industry: The Dun & Bradstreet merger agreement is just one example of the consolidation happening in the data industry. Other recent mergers and acquisitions include Salesforce`s purchase of MuleSoft, IBM`s acquisition of Red Hat, and Cloudera`s merger with Hortonworks. This consolidation can lead to greater efficiency and cost savings, but it can also limit competition and innovation.
Overall, the Dun & Bradstreet merger agreement is a significant event in the data industry, with implications for businesses and customers alike. As the company transitions to private ownership, customers can expect continued investment in new products and services, while also being mindful of data privacy concerns. The consolidation trend in the data industry is also something to keep an eye on, as it could have long-term implications for how businesses access and use commercial data.