Bumble stock soars as the embattled dating app strikes deal to go private. Here’s how it got here

Bumble's stock price has surged significantly as the dating app company reaches a deal to go private. Ithaca Holdings, a firm led by former tech executives, is acquiring Bumble for $1.3 billion, with the transaction announced on Tuesday. Bumble's board unanimously approved the deal, with founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd recusing herself from the decision. The deal value represents a 138% increase compared to Friday's closing share price and a 119% increase over the 30-day weighted average price.

When the news of a potential deal broke, Bumble's shares rose 49.61% in premarket trading. Bumble's shareholders will receive $6.05 for each share of Class A Common Stock, bringing the company's valuation to approximately $335 million. Ithaca's co-CEOs, Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman, will step into the CEO role and collaborate with Wolfe Herd to extend Bumble's original mission to help people find connections in life and love in the future.

The dating app has faced challenges in staying relevant amidst the rise of Gen Z users distancing themselves from online dating. Over the past five years, Bumble's stock has experienced a steady decline, with shares dropping almost 95% from their high. Despite these struggles, the company has recently made changes, including the launch of an AI-powered assistant called Bee, a new standalone app for non-romantic connections called BFF, and removing the requirement for women to message first.