BlackRock to acquire eFront for $1.3 billion in ca

BlackRock Inc. said Friday it has agreed to acquire eFront from private-equity firm Bridgepoint and eFront employees for $1.3 billion in cash. eFront is an alternative investment management software company with more than 700 clients in 48 counties. "The combination of eFront with Aladdin, BlackRock's investment operating platform used by more than 225 institutions around the world, will set a new standard in investment and risk management technology," BlackRock said in a statement. The deal will be funded with a mix of existing cash and debt and will be minimally dilute to earnings per share. Separately, BlackRock said it has agreed to buy about 3.1 million of its own shares for $412.84 a share in a private transaction under its existing buyback program. Shares fell 1% in early trade and are down 20% in the last 12 months, while the S&P 500 has gained 8%.

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