Livingstone advises PubRec on its merger with PeopleConnect

Livingstone is pleased to announce the merger of PubRec, LLC (“PubRec”) and PeopleConnect Holdings, Inc. (“PeopleConnect”), a portfolio company of H.I.G. Capital, LLC.  Livingstone acted as the financial advisor to PubRec.  The transaction closed in January 2020.

PubRec, headquartered in San Diego, CA, through its brands TruthFinder and Instant Checkmate and its technology development company The Control Group (collectively, the “Company”), is the leading provider of B2C information services including online background checks, reverse phone lookups, and personal information monitoring services.  PeopleConnect, based in Seattle, WA, provides people search and related products to consumers online through its brands Intellius and Classmates.

The Company was founded in 2010 by entrepreneurs Kris Kibak and Joey Rocco, and almost overnight differentiated itself through its proprietary experimentation and split-testing technology platform.  Mr. Kibak said, “We are very excited about the transaction with PeopleConnect. The combination of the two companies only strengthens our collective position and allows us to provide more value to our customers.”  Mr. Rocco added, “Livingstone was critical in achieving this outcome. They worked tirelessly on our behalf from day one through closing.”

“We are extremely pleased to have advised on this transaction,” said Brennan Libbey, a Partner with Livingstone. “Our experience in the sector enabled us to get up to speed quickly and help navigate the complexities of getting the deal over the finish line.”

Andrew Bozzelli, a Partner with Livingstone, stated, “Not only does this transaction represent another successful outcome for us in the information services sector, but it’s clear evidence of the success of our roll-up-the sleeves approach to deal-making to ensure a successful outcome for our clients.”

Venable LLP served as legal counsel to PubRec. McDermott Will & Emery LLP served as legal counsel to PeopleConnect.