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CBIZ Agrees to Go Private in $5 Billion Acquisition Deal

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CBIZ Agrees to Go Private in $5 Billion Acquisition Deal

CBIZ (CBZ) agreed to be acquired by accounting and advisory firm Grant Thornton Advisors in an all-cash deal worth about $5 billion, creating one of the largest providers of professional services, tax and advisory services in the US.

Shareholders of CBIZ will receive $55 per share in cash, representing a premium of roughly 54% to the professional services advisor's 30-day average price, the companies said in a joint statement on Wednesday.

New Mountain Capital, which invested in Grant Thornton Advisors in 2024, will invest "incremental equity" to support the transaction, according to the statement.

CBIZ's stock jumped 17% in Wednesday trade, taking its year-to-date gain to 8.3%.

Following the transaction, Grant Thornton expects to become the fifth-largest provider of professional services, tax and advisory services in the US, with more than $5 billion in annual domestic revenue. The combined platform will operate across more than 20 countries, with almost $7.5 billion in revenue.

The deal, which requires approval from CBIZ's shareholders and clearance from regulators, is expected to close in the fourth quarter. Following completion, the company will be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.

"By combining our multinational platform with CBIZ's strong market presence, we're broadening our ability to support businesses through every stage of growth," Grant Thornton Advisors Chief Executive Jim Peko said in a statement. "Together, we'll bring the quality, scope and capabilities clients need to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment."

CBIZ CEO Jerry Grisko seemed to concur with Peko on the transaction enhancing service offerings for clients.

Grant Thornton Advisors plans to spin off CBIZ's benefits and insurance services division. CBIZ could evaluate alternative acquisition proposals by Aug. 27.

Separately, CBIZ reported second-quarter adjusted earnings of $0.91 per share, down from $0.99 the year before, but ahead of the FactSet-polled consensus of $0.72. Revenue edged down 0.2% to $682.2 million, but missed the Street's view for $698 million.

The company withdrew its 2026 outlook in light of its proposed acquisition.

Price: $54.70, Change: $+8.00, Percent Change: +17.13%

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