The British private equity firm BC Partners is selling its majority stake in the financial data firm Acuris, which owns Mergermarket and Debtwire, to the ION Investment Group (Dublin). It’s a great exit for BC Partners, which acquired it, with support from the Singapore sovereign wealth fund (GIC), from Pearson in 2013. Reuters estimates the current value at 15x EBITDA, or over £1 billion.

Reuters further reported that both Moody’s and Fitch (not to mention the News Corp) were involved in the bidding initially. Both the consideration and the earnings multiple reflect the fact that ‘fintech’ is popular with acquiring firms, and ION has been one of the most aggressive internationally in this segment for many years.

Many BVWire—UK readers use, or have used, Mergermarket over the years. While the prime focus is traders, investment banks, and fund managers, it’s also been a respected source for multiples and earnings data for financial reporting valuations and compliance.