New York: Private equity powerhouse Blackstone is reportedly weighing several strategic options for Ancestry.com, the leading genealogy and DNA testing company it acquired in 2020 for $4.7 billion. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the firm is considering both a possible sale and an initial public offering (IPO) as avenues to unlock value from the Utah-based company. At this stage, discussions are preliminary, and no final decisions have been made.
Industry insiders reveal that Blackstone has invited banks to submit proposals earlier this week, signaling serious consideration of a public listing. An IPO could potentially value Ancestry.com at around $10 billion, reflecting strong investor interest in consumer genetics and genealogy services. However, these figures remain speculative, as Blackstone continues to evaluate market conditions and strategic alternatives.
Ancestry.com has emerged as a dominant player in its sector, generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue and serving over 3 million paying subscribers. The company’s business model relies on subscription services for access to historical records, family tree management, and genetic testing kits, making it a highly profitable platform in the rapidly growing DNA and ancestry market.
A sale or public listing of Ancestry.com would represent a significant move for Blackstone, highlighting its broader portfolio management strategy. Analysts note that the timing coincides with a rejuvenation in the U.S. IPO market, which has seen an uptick in first-time share sales compared to 2024, suggesting favorable conditions for a listing if the firm chooses that route.
Representatives from both Blackstone and Ancestry.com have declined to comment on the ongoing deliberations. As discussions progress, further details are expected to emerge, which could reshape the landscape of consumer genetics and private equity investment strategies.