By Arasu Kannagi Basil

(Reuters) -U.S. financial software provider MeridianLink said on Monday it would be acquired by investment firm Centerbridge Partners in a $2 billion deal, taking it private roughly four years after its New York debut.

Optimism around potential rate cuts and easing economic uncertainty amid progress on trade deals have laid the groundwork for a pickup in private-equity buyouts. Dealmaking appetite for software businesses has also remained robust this year.

MeridianLink shareholders will receive $20 apiece in cash for each share held, implying a 26% premium to the stock’s last close. Shares of the Irvine, California-based company, which powers digital lending and account opening for financial institutions, jumped 24% in afternoon trading.

“Industry consolidation h

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