Dun & Bradstreet completed its privatization Friday morning.  The firm is now controlled by CC Capital, Cannae Holdings, Bilcar, LLC, Black Knight, Inc. and funds affiliated with Thomas H. Lee Partners, L.P.  The original offer was tendered on August 8, 2018.

As previously announced, the firm will be led by new CEO Anthony Jabbour and new President Stephen C. Daffron.  William P. Foley II has been named the Executive Chairman of Dun & Bradstreet’s Board of Directors.

The new leadership team indicated that the mission of the firm, “to help our customers improve their business performance through data and insights,” is unchanged.  Likewise, there are no significant changes in direction. “We plan to invest in several key areas to strengthen our core data assets, create high-value analytics, enhance our technological capabilities, and deliver a top-notch customer experience.”

The firm is positioning privatization as a strategic advantage.  “We now have greater flexibility to build a competitive advantage in the vibrant market for data and insights; an edge that we are confident will benefit our customers. Now more than ever, we will have the opportunity to offer solutions to accelerate revenue, reduce cost, manage risk and transform businesses. We plan to invest in several key areas to strengthen our core data assets, create high-value analytics, enhance our technological capabilities, and deliver a top-notch customer experience.”

“For 177 years, our mission has been to help customers leverage data and insights to improve business performance. The next evolution of Dun & Bradstreet’s history will expand the value we bring to our customers around the globe. The journey ahead is a big one for all of us, and the potential, vast. Our executive team and employees around the globe are excited to work with our customers and partners on this next chapter in our iconic brand’s history.”

Dun & Bradstreet Announcement

Dun & Bradstreet was purchased by the investor group for $145 per share ($6.9 billion when including acquired debt of $1.5 billion)

Dun & Bradstreet posted $1.7 billion in 2017 revenue.  The firm employs 4,900 globally and provides risk management (supplier and credit risk) and sales & marketing services. Key product include RMI, D&B Hoovers, D&B Optimizer, and Audience Solutions. Its D-U-N-S Numbering system is the de facto global company numbering system and often required by banks and federal contracting. Other key assets include their global company linkages and the WorldBase file of 300 million active and inactive companies.