Shearman & Sterling is advising Dun & Bradstreet on the acquisition of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation and the formation of a new division, Dun & Bradstreet Emerging Businesses, a combination of Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation’s leading technology and data solutions with Dun & Bradstreet’s small and mid-sized business assets.

The purchase price in the transaction is $320 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments, plus an earn-out of up to $30 million if certain performance milestones are met through 2018. The transaction has been approved by both boards of directors and is expected to close during May of 2015, pending regulatory approval and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions.

Dun & Bradstreet Credibility Corporation is the leading provider of business credit building and credibility solutions for businesses. The company helps businesses establish their credit with a D&B D-U-N-S® Number and provides the only business credit solution available to businesses looking to build, monitor, and impact their business credit and credibility. The company’s headquarters are in Los Angeles, CA with offices throughout the United States.

Dun & Bradstreet, founded in 1841, connects customers with prospects, suppliers, clients and partners. Nearly ninety percent of the Fortune 500, and companies of every size around the world, rely on Dun & Bradstreet’s data, insights and analytics.

The Team