LendingTree, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QuoteWizard.com, LLC, one of the largest insurance comparison marketplaces in the growing online insurance advertising market. Since its founding in 2006, QuoteWizard has helped nearly 40 million consumers find their ideal insurance policy with top-tier insurance carriers across key insurance markets: auto, home and health.
"By acquiring QuoteWizard, LendingTree will establish itself as a leading player in the online insurance advertising industry, while continuing our ongoing diversification within the financial services category," said Doug Lebda, Founder and CEO of LendingTree. "With QuoteWizard's proprietary technology platform, direct relationships with over 30 of the top-tier carriers and a network of nearly 10,000 agents, combined with LendingTree's strong brand and extensive reach, we will be well-poised to capitalize on the growing market opportunity that stems from the ongoing digitalization of the financial services industry."
"LendingTree's strong brand identity, online marketing and technology capabilities are the ideal match for what we've built at QuoteWizard," said co-founder and CEO Scott Peyree. "This acquisition will give our business the reach and tools it needs to continue our growth trajectory while further diversifying LendingTree's product portfolio. We're simply thrilled to join the LendingTree team and really excited about what our two companies will be able to do together in the coming years."
The equity purchase has a possible total consideration of $370.2 million, which consists of $300 million in cash at closing and contingent payments of up to $70.2 million, subject to achieving certain growth targets over a three-year period.
The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter subject to customary closing conditions and LendingTree intends to fund the acquisition through cash on hand and by drawing on the existing credit agreement.
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, QuoteWizard enjoyed considerable growth, with approximately $75.6 million in revenue and approximately $12.8 million in Adjusted EBITDA. LendingTree expects the acquisition to be accretive to 2019 adjusted earnings per share.
BofA Merrill Lynch acted as exclusive financial advisor to LendingTree in connection with the transaction. GCA Advisors, LLC acted as exclusive financial advisor to QuoteWizard.