Bumble to Go Private in $1.3B Deal with Ithaca Holdings
CE DESK 
AUSTIN, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ: BMBL) (“Bumble” or “the Company”) today announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Ithaca Holdings (“Ithaca”) in an all-cash transaction valuing the Company at $1.3 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Bumble common shareholders will receive cash consideration of $6.05 per share of Class A Common Stock, representing an approximately 138% premium to the unaffected closing share price on October 9, 2026, and a premium of approximately 119% to the 30-day volume weighted average price as of October 9, 2026.
Transaction Details
An independent Special Committee of Bumble’s Board of Directors (“Special Committee”), advised by independent legal and financial advisors, conducted a rigorous process to evaluate a range of strategic alternatives.
After careful consideration, the Special Committee determined that Ithaca’s proposed transaction is in the best interest of Bumble’s common shareholders and recommended approval of the transaction to the full Board of Directors. Acting upon the Special Committee’s recommendation, the Board unanimously approved the transaction, excluding Whitney Wolfe Herd who recused herself from the Board’s deliberations and voting on the matter. Following execution of the definitive agreement, affiliates of Blackstone and Ms. Wolfe Herd approved the transaction by a written consent of shareholders, providing the requisite shareholder approval for the transaction. Bumble shareholders will receive an information statement as required by Delaware law and the federal securities laws.
Ithaca’s mission is to apply frontier technology to renew and accelerate businesses that enrich people’s lives and create lasting value in a world transformed by AI. Upon closing the transaction, Ithaca Co-CEOs, Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman, will become Co-CEOs of Bumble. They will partner closely with Ms. Wolfe Herd to extend Bumble’s original vision to help people find connections in life and love into the next era.
Bumble will operate as a privately-held company with offices in London, Austin and New York City, and is expected to remain based in Austin.
Ann Mather, Chair of Bumble’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Special Committee, stated:
“The Special Committee was formed to conduct an independent review of strategic alternatives to maximize value for our public and unaffiliated shareholders. Supported by independent legal and financial advisors, the Committee thoroughly evaluated all available paths and determined that this transaction with Ithaca represents the best outcome for our shareholders. We appreciate the management team’s collaboration throughout our evaluation process.”
Bumble’s Founder and CEO, Whitney Wolfe Herd, shared:
“Bumble was founded on a simple belief: meaningful relationships are essential to a healthy, happy life. Today, that belief feels more important than ever.”
“I am incredibly grateful to the entire Bumble team, whose dedication and belief in our mission have made this company what it is today. In Ithaca, we have found a partner who shares our vision, believes in our women-first mission, and is committed to investing in Bumble’s future. I am grateful to the Special Committee for their thoughtful work and am pleased to support this transaction based on the Board’s recommendation.”
“As Bumble’s Founder, my belief in this company and its potential to positively impact people around the world has never been stronger. That is why I will remain actively involved with Bumble. I believe deeply in Bumble’s future, and I look forward to working alongside Ravi, John, and the Bumble team as we continue to innovate, create meaningful connections, and write the next chapter of Bumble’s story. I truly believe the best is yet to come.”
Ithaca Holdings Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman, added:
“Technology should work in service of our deepest source of fulfillment, human connection, and this investment is a bet on the future of humanity. People and societies will always need connection, relationships, love, and family, and we are excited to build on Bumble’s legacy and share its mission with the next generation of members.”
“Bumble has a unique combination of essential attributes, including its trusted brand and loyal community. As technology and dating habits evolve, we see huge potential to take it into the next era together, building on the foundation Whitney and the talented Bumble team have built. Whitney has a clear vision and strong principles, and we’re grateful for her partnership as we carry her mission forward together.”
Advisors
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisors to the Special Committee, and Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as legal advisor to the Special Committee. Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor, and KKR Capital Markets is serving as capital markets advisor to Ithaca Holdings in connection with the proposed transaction. Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz is serving as legal advisor to Whitney Wolfe Herd. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is serving as legal advisor to Blackstone.
Third Quarter 2026 Earnings
The Company plans to file its quarterly report on Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) by November 9, 2026. In light of this transaction, the Company does not plan to issue an earnings release or conduct a conference call to discuss financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2026.
About Bumble Inc.
Bumble Inc. is the parent company of Bumble, Badoo, and BFF. The Bumble platform brings people closer to love by enabling them to build healthy relationships. Founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble was one of the first dating apps built with women at the center and connects people across dating (Bumble Date) and friendship (BFF). Badoo, founded in 2006, was one of the pioneers of web and mobile dating products. BFF is a friendship app made to help you find your people.
About Ithaca Holdings
Ithaca is a holding company for enduring, market-leading technology businesses. It combines frontier technology with operating expertise to renew established companies and unlock their long-term potential. Its mission is to use frontier technology to build products and businesses that not only create lasting value but meaningfully enrich people’s lives. For more information visit: https://www.ithacaholdings.com.
