Following a major update to its Encompass loan origination system, mortgage software maker Ellie Mae reports that it is being acquired by private equity investment firm Thoma Bravo for approximately $3.7 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, which is still tentative, all Ellie Mae shareholders will receive $99.00 in cash per share. The price per share represents a 47% premium to the 30-day average closing share price and 49% premium to the 60-day average closing price as of February 1.
“Since the founding of Ellie Mae more than 20 years ago, our mission has been simple – to automate everything automatable for the residential mortgage industry,” says Jonathan Corr, president and CEO of Ellie Mae, in a statement. “As we enter this next phase of our digital mortgage journey, we are thrilled to provide immediate value to our shareholders. With the investment and support from Thoma Bravo, we will remain committed to our customers’ success, innovation and growth of the Encompass Digital Lending Platform while maintaining our position as a best place to work.”
The agreement includes a 35 day “go-shop” period, which permits Ellie Mae’s board and advisors to actively initiate, solicit, encourage and potentially enter negotiations with parties that make alternative acquisition proposals.
The mortgage software maker will have the right to terminate the merger agreement to enter into a superior proposal subject to the terms and conditions of the merger agreement.
There can be no assurance that this 35 day “go-shop” will result in a superior proposal, and Ellie Mae does not intend to disclose developments with respect to the solicitation process unless and until the board makes a determination requiring further disclosure.
Ellie Mae’s board of directors unanimously approved the definitive agreement and recommended that stockholders vote their shares in favor of the transaction.
The firm’s headquarters will remain in Pleasanton, Calif., with regional offices across the U.S.
