On July 9th, 2021, Thoma Bravo, a large software and technology focused private equity firm entered into an agreement to buy Stamps.com for $6.6 billion which is $330 per share, 67% higher than the closing price the day before. The agreement includes a 40-day "Go Shop" Agreement that allows Stamps.com to consider other offers until August 18th, 2021. The debt financing for the transaction will be provided by Blackstone Credit, credit funds managed by Ares Management Corporation, PSP Investments Credit II USA LLC and Thoma Bravo Credit. 

The debt financing is offered by two big private debt providers in Blackstone Credit and credit funds managed by Ares Management Corporation, one private debt arm of a big Canadian pension, PSP Investments Credit II USA LLC and one private debt arm of Thoma Bravo, Thoma Bravo Credit. The deal demonstrates how private equity firms are more active in the private debt space. Additionally, Vista Equity Partners, a large software focused private equity firm that competes with Thoma Bravo, is said to make over $50 million on the deal since Vista Equity Partners owns a minority stake in Stamps.com. Various private equity firms are involved in this deal by providing debt and owning public shares, displaying that private equity firms have been investing in more than just private equity. Thoma Bravo has sector expertise that will benefit Stamps.com as the firm looks to grow and execute their global strategy and improve on their operating capabilities.