Dun & Bradstreet Eyes Potential Sale Amidst Market Movements

Dun & Bradstreet, a major data and analytics company, is exploring a potential sale, with Bank of America assisting in evaluating takeover interest. The company's largest shareholder, Cannae Holdings, may roll its stake to facilitate the deal. Dun & Bradstreet's stock surged on the news, but no deal is confirmed yet.

Dun & Bradstreet, a leading U.S. data and analytics provider with a market value exceeding $9 billion, is exploring a potential sale, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Jacksonville-based company is collaborating with Bank of America to consider takeover interest from potential buyers, including private equity firms.

Cannae Holdings, Dun & Bradstreet's largest shareholder with a 15.6% stake, may roll its investment as part of the sale, one source indicated. This action could potentially lower the overall purchase price, facilitating a deal, though sources cautioned that no agreement is certain.

Neither Bank of America, Dun & Bradstreet, nor Cannae responded to requests for comment. The news of a potential sale led to a 23% spike in the company's stock price, reaching $12.66 per share, the highest since February 2023. Dun & Bradstreet's total debt stood at about $3.7 billion at the end of June.

Founded in 1841, Dun & Bradstreet serves approximately 135,000 businesses, including 90% of the Fortune 500. The company went public in 2020, shortly after being taken private by an investor consortium. Its shares have lost nearly 62% of their value since the initial public offering due to debt and competition from rivals like Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

(With inputs from agencies.)