CSI to be acquired by Centerbridge and Bridgeport for $1.6b

By Edlyn Cardoza

Computer Services, Inc., a provider of end-to-end FinTech and RegTech solutions, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Centerbridge Partners, L.P., a global, multi-strategy private investment firm with deep experience investing in financial services and technology, and Bridgeport Partners, a private investment firm with a long-term, value-oriented approach, in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $1.6 billion, or $58.00 per share. The transaction followed a robust strategic review process and was unanimously approved by CSI’s board of directors.

“After a thorough strategic review, the CSI board of directors is very pleased to announce this transaction and believes it is in the best interests of our shareholders,” said Steve Powless, CSI’s Chairman of the Board. “Upon completion of the transaction, CSI intends to continue operating under the leadership of CEO David Culbertson and the CSI leadership team, with its headquarters expected to remain in Paducah, Kentucky.”

Further, in connection with the transaction, all members of the CSI board of directors and Founder and Chairman Emeritus John A. Williams have entered into a voting and support agreement to vote in favor of the transaction. Williams commented, “Having formed CSI nearly six decades ago, I am pleased to support this transaction as it will provide shareholders with immediate cash at a compelling value premium. In addition, I believe that our customers, employees and communities can rest assured that—based on their history—current management, Centerbridge and Bridgeport will continue CSI’s legacy.”

CSI’s long history of delivering end-to-end market solutions includes serving nearly 2,600 customers in the U.S. and in 30 other countries while pioneering innovative technology advancements.

“For more than 57 years, CSI has been known as a leader in innovation and customer service. Centerbridge and Bridgeport have deep experience in technology and financial services as owners and operators. Working together after the closing, CSI intends to execute our strategic plans to expand and diversify our product offerings, transform our technology to leverage the scale and resiliency of the public cloud, and deploy optimized fintech and regtech solutions through our open banking and banking-as-a-service initiatives,” said David Culbertson, CSI’s President and CEO.

In working with Centerbridge and Bridgeport, CSI plans to carry on its tradition of excellence and continue to invest in its product roadmap to bring more solutions to market faster.

“Supporting high-quality companies is central to our strategy at Centerbridge, and we have a deep track record of doing so in both financial services and technology. We are excited to work with CSI, as we share a like-minded commitment to innovation for customers and satisfaction for employees,” said Jared Hendricks, Senior Managing Director at Centerbridge and Ben Jaffe, Managing Director at Centerbridge. “CSI has a long, distinguished history in Paducah, Kentucky, as well as other local communities across the nation. We plan to continue our commitment and investment in these communities to further foster the CSI legacy.”

Centerbridge and Bridgeport bring years of experience driving growth and value for businesses across various industries.

“I am pleased to have this opportunity to partner with Centerbridge on the acquisition of CSI, a company that I have followed closely for decades and have respected as a real leader in financial services and technology,” said Frank Martire, Bridgeport’s Founder. “CSI has always been known for its commitment to its customers, employees, partners and the communities it serves—a reputation that Centerbridge and Bridgeport are committed to maintaining while we work together with David and his team to implement the company’s growth initiatives.”