Xactus has closed the acquisition of Mortgage Credit Link (MCL) from MeridianLink, the company announced Wednesday. Terms of the deal, which is likely to catch many market participants off guard, were not disclosed.
MCL operates a web-based order‑fulfillment hub for credit and verification data used by roughly 25 consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) — companies that compete directly with Xactus. Although Xactus runs on its own proprietary technology, many smaller CRAs and resellers don’t, relying instead on platforms like MCL.
Under the deal terms, MCL will be rebranded as XedaLink and operate as an independent subsidiary. It will remain a distinct platform and brand, separate from the Xactus name and its Xactus360 verification platform.
“First and foremost, we know how to run separate and distinct businesses; we will not compromise the integrity and confidentiality of their data,” Xactus President Shelley Leonard said in an interview with HousingWire, while acknowledging that attrition is a risk. “The second message, really, is that we are going to invest in the platform.”
Conversations between MeridianLink and Xactus about a potential transaction began in February, Leonard said. The deal closed Tuesday, with clients notified Wednesday. No regulatory or antitrust reviews were required.
“This is a carve-out from MeridianLink’s broader business,” Leonard said. “Most importantly, this acquisition supports our long-term strategy, expanding our technology capabilities, strengthening our position in the market and continuing to build for the future.”
On the seller side, the transaction will allow MeridianLink to focus on its core business. The company provides end-to-end loan origination software covering consumer loans, business loans and digital mortgages.
XedaLink will continue to serve its existing clients while gaining access to Xactus’s scale, infrastructure and investment. The company serves about 100 clients, including roughly 25 CRAs and other non-mortgage companies – like bankruptcy attorneys and debt consolidation firms.
Today, more than 90% of Xactus’s customer base is tied to the mortgage market, so the deal expands the addressable customer base beyond mortgages.
“The biggest change for clients is this platform has had a lack of strategic focus and investment for the last few years, and Xactus is changing that as of today,” Leonard said. “We are excited about the opportunity to invest and grow this business, and want to assure you that we will be investing in XedaLink.”
The 12 MeridianLink team members dedicated to Mortgage Credit Link will move to XedaLink as part of the transaction, Leonard said. They will be placed under the appropriate Xactus leader in technology, product and operations teams.
Xactus was advised by Kirkland & Ellis and McDonald Hopkins, with financing provided by JP Morgan. MeridianLink was advised by Raymond James and King & Spalding.
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