MeridianLink soars on $2 billion buyout deal with Centerbridge

** Fintech MeridianLink's MLNK.N shares jump 24.6% to $19.69

** MLNK will be taken private by investment firm Centerbridge Partners in a $2 billion deal

** MLNK shareholders will receive $20 apiece in cash for each share held, a premium of roughly 26% over the last close

** "While the $20/share acquisition price comes in slightly below our expectations for the business, we suspect the continuation of a higher for longer rate environment makes it difficult for any acquirer to have confidence on a return to double-digit growth for MLNK that could have justified a higher price" - Raymond James

** 2 of 8 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or higher, 4 "hold" and 2 "sell"; median PT $19.13 - data compiled by LSEG

** As of last close, MLNK stock down 23% YTD