Clearlake Capital agreed to acquire Dun & Bradstreet in a take-private transaction valued at $7.7bn, further expanding its presence in the data analytics and enterprise services space.

The deal offers $9.15 per share in cash to Dun & Bradstreet shareholders, reflecting an equity value of $4.1bn.
The transaction gives Clearlake access to one of the world’s most established corporate data providers. Founded in 1841, Dun & Bradstreet offers financial, risk, and analytics services to a global client base. The acquisition underscores growing private equity interest in data-driven businesses, particularly those positioned to scale artificial intelligence solutions across enterprise markets.

Behdad Eghbali, co-founder and managing partner at Clearlake, said the firm sees significant potential in Dun & Bradstreet’s platform, adding that the company is well-positioned to deliver AI-powered tools to its clients. The deal will be financed through a mix of equity and debt.

Despite recent flat revenue growth, analysts expect the company’s performance to reaccelerate in the upcoming quarters. Jefferies analysts previously noted the company’s strong cash flow, expanding margins, and improving organic growth profile.

The agreement includes a “go-shop” period, allowing Dun & Bradstreet to solicit alternative offers. The company previously went public in 2020, two years after being taken private by an investor consortium led by CC Capital, Cannae, and Thomas H. Lee Partners.

This acquisition continues a wave of private equity activity targeting data and analytics platforms, as firms look to capitalise on rising demand for intelligent enterprise solutions. Clearlake’s move reinforces the firm’s broader strategy of investing in scalable, tech-enabled businesses with long-term growth potential.