BY Fraser Tennant
In a transaction which takes the company private, event-software provider Cvent Holding Corp. is to be acquired by Blackstone for approximately $4.6bn.
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Cvent stockholders will receive $8.50 per share in cash, representing a premium of 52 percent to the volume weighted average share price over the 90 days prior to 30 January 2023 – the day before media reports of a potential transaction were published.
Upon completion of the transaction – which involves Blackstone receiving a fully committed $1bn credit facility as part of its financing – Cvent’s common stock will no longer be publicly listed, and Cvent will become a privately held company.
Founded in 1999, Cvent’s comprehensive suite of technology solutions powers the entire event management process to maximise the impact of events. The company has approximately 22,000 customers globally in the corporate, non-profit, higher education and hospitality sectors.
“The continued events and travel recovery is one of Blackstone’s highest-conviction investment themes,” said David Schwartz, a senior managing director at Blackstone. “Given our extensive experience in the hospitality, events and real estate sectors, we believe Blackstone is well-positioned as a growth partner for this exceptional business.”
Following the recommendation of a special committee composed entirely of independent and disinterested directors, the Cvent board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement.
“We are excited to share this announcement and look forward to our next chapter alongside the Blackstone team,” said Reggie Aggarwal, founder and chief executive of Cvent. “As one of the world’s largest private equity firms, Blackstone brings deep expertise in the event and hospitality industry, and with their backing, we plan to continue to invest in our business and deliver the innovative solutions that meet our customers’ needs and power the meetings and events ecosystem.”
The transaction is expected to close mid-year 2023, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including receipt of approval by Cvent’s stockholders and required regulatory approvals.
Martin Brand, head of North America private equity and global co-head of technology investing at Blackstone, concluded: “Cvent is an industry leader, and we are excited to partner with their management team to continue the firm’s innovation and deliver world-class technology solutions to customers in the event and hospitality space.”
News: Events software provider Cvent accepts Blackstone's $4.6 bln deal