Weekly Highlights from the Private Equity Sector
Clearlake Capital has made a significant move in the data analytics and enterprise services space, announcing the acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet in a take-private transaction valued at approximately $7.7 billion, including debt. The deal, expected to close in Q3 2025, values the company at $4.1 billion in cash[1][2][3][5].
Under Clearlake's ownership, Dun & Bradstreet aims to expand its capabilities, integrating B2B and consumer insights for marketing and omnichannel campaigns[1]. The acquisition is particularly notable for businesses positioned to scale artificial intelligence solutions across enterprise markets.
Meanwhile, in the private equity world, Jean-Pierre Saad has been named as a Managing Partner by CVC, where he will head private equity investments in the European technology sector, starting from June 2025[4]. Saad previously spent over 15 years at KKR, where he most recently led the firm's EMEA tech private equity strategy.
In a separate development, Oakley Capital has announced the final close of its private equity vehicle, Oakley Capital Fund VI, at a hard cap of €4.5 billion. The fund is 58% larger than its predecessor and attracted €2.2 billion in new institutional commitments from Europe, North America, Asia, and for the first time, Australia and Latin America[4]. Notably, Oakley Capital secured nearly 100% re-up participation from existing limited partners.
The broader private equity market in 2025 has seen a modest number of buyout deals but significant direct lending volume, with mega deals like Dun & Bradstreet's acquisition dominating headlines[4]. The acquisition by Clearlake coincides with regulatory and data governance developments, including the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, that may affect data-driven companies like Dun & Bradstreet, signaling the importance of strong compliance strategies post-acquisition[5].
However, information on CVC and Oakley Capital’s latest technology investments was not found in the current results.
[1] BusinessWire. (2025, March 1). Clearlake Capital Group, L.P. Announces Agreement to Acquire Dun & Bradstreet. Business Wire. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250301005444/en/Clearlake-Capital-Group-L-P-Announces-Agreement-Acquire-Dun-Bradstreet
[2] Reuters. (2025, March 1). Clearlake Capital to buy Dun & Bradstreet for $7.7 billion. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/clearlake-capital-to-buy-dun-bradstreet-for-7-7-billion-2025-03-01/
[3] Financial Times. (2025, March 1). Clearlake to acquire Dun & Bradstreet in $7.7bn deal. Financial Times. https://www.ft.com/content/e697045a-6172-4d23-914e-78a2108449f1
[4] PitchBook Data, Inc. (2025). Oakley Capital Fund VI Final Close. PitchBook Data, Inc.
[5] Private Equity International. (2025, March 1). Clearlake to acquire Dun & Bradstreet in $7.7bn deal. Private Equity International. https://www.peimedia.com/news/11075348/clearlake-to-acquire-dun-bradstreet-in-7-7bn-deal
- In the data analytics and enterprise services space, Clearlake Capital has taken over Dun & Bradstreet as a limited partner, leading a take-private transaction worth approximately $7.7 billion.
- As a result of the acquisition, Dun & Bradstreet plans to enhance its capabilities under Clearlake's ownership, intending to integrate B2B and consumer insights for marketing and omnichannel campaigns.
- Meanwhile, Jean-Pierre Saad has joined CVC as a Managing Partner, focusing on private equity investments in the European technology sector, starting from June 2025.
- Oakley Capital has recently finalized its private equity vehicle, Oakley Capital Fund VI, at a hard cap of €4.5 billion and secured almost 100% re-up participation from existing limited partners.
- The private equity market in 2025 has witnessed a modest number of buyout deals but significant direct lending volume, with landmark transactions such as Dun & Bradstreet's acquisition making headlines.
- Regulatory developments like the UK Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 may affect data-driven companies post-acquisition, signifying the importance of strong compliance strategies for companies such as Dun & Bradstreet.
