Clearlake Capital Group Finalizes Acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Enhancing Business Analytics Offerings

Clearlake Capital Group Completes Acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet

In a significant development in the investment and data analytics sectors, Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Holdings, Inc. This acquisition marks a notable shift for Dun & Bradstreet, a company that has established itself as a vital resource for business decision-making data and analytics worldwide.

The details of the transaction were initially disclosed on March 24, 2025, with the acquisition approved by Dun & Bradstreet stockholders on June 12, 2025. As part of this agreement, stockholders of Dun & Bradstreet will receive $9.15 in cash for each share they hold, leading the firm to become a private entity. Following this strategic move, the company's shares will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, effectively concluding its journey as a publicly traded entity.

Clearlake Capital Group is well-known for its vast portfolio and investment strategies, managing over $90 billion in assets. The firm, founded in 2006, has a history of focusing on technology, consumer, and industrial sectors, and has completed over 400 investments globally. Their structured approach—focusing on operations, strategy, and human capital—aims to partner closely with management teams to drive long-term value.

Dun & Bradstreet, founded in 1841, has also established itself as a comprehensive provider of business decisioning data and analytics solutions. Their global Data Cloud platform delivers invaluable insights, empowering organizations to enhance revenue, minimize costs, and manage risks effectively. The acquisition is expected to enhance Clearlake's investment strategy by incorporating Dun & Bradstreet's robust capabilities in business intelligence and analytics.

Several financial advisors played a pivotal role in facilitating the transaction for Clearlake, including major financial institutions such as Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan. Additionally, legal advisory was provided by Sidley Austin LLP for Clearlake and Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP for Dun & Bradstreet, ensuring that due diligence was comprehensively addressed throughout the acquisition process.

This acquisition not only illustrates Clearlake's commitment to expanding its capacity in the analytics domain but also reflects the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making frameworks in businesses across various sectors. As companies strive to harness the power of analytics to gain a competitive edge, the integration of Dun & Bradstreet into Clearlake’s portfolio is poised to deliver substantial benefits, particularly through leveraging the advanced analytics and insights that Dun & Bradstreet can provide.

Conclusion

This acquisition heralds a new chapter for both Clearlake and Dun & Bradstreet. As businesses confront the complexities of navigating today’s economic landscape, the need for accurate data and insightful analytics is more critical than ever. Clearlake’s strategic investment philosophy aligns well with the transformative capabilities of Dun & Bradstreet, setting the stage for innovation and growth in the business decision-making sector.