Coursera Inc. announced Wednesday it will acquire rival online learning platform Udemy Inc. in an all-stock transaction, creating a combined entity valued at approximately $2.5 billion as the education technology sector consolidates following pandemic-era growth and amid an artificial intelligence (AI) skills boom.
Under the merger agreement, Udemy shareholders will receive 0.8 shares of Coursera stock for each Udemy share they own, valuing Udemy at roughly $930 million. The deal represents a 26% premium based on the 30-day average closing prices of both companies prior to the announcement. Coursera shareholders will own about 59% of the merged company, with Udemy shareholders holding the remaining 41%.
The transaction unites two of America’s largest online education platforms at a critical juncture for the industry. Both companies have seen enrollment growth cool from pandemic highs, prompting a strategic shift toward enterprise clients and more predictable subscription revenue models. Coursera shares gained 6% in premarket trading following the announcement, while Udemy soared 18%.
“We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry,” Coursera CEO Greg Hart said in a statement.
The combined company expects to achieve $115 million in annual cost synergies within two years of closing. Coursera also plans to implement a substantial share repurchase program following the transaction’s completion.
Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin highlighted the strategic benefits for all stakeholders, noting the merger would enable the platform to accelerate its AI-powered product development and expand global reach through enhanced marketing capabilities.
The companies are betting that their combined scale will prove advantageous in capturing corporate demand for workforce training, particularly in AI, data science, and software development. As generative AI rapidly transforms workplaces, employers are investing heavily in reskilling programs.
Coursera, which partners with universities to offer degree programs and professional certificates, has increasingly focused on enterprise customers. Udemy operates a marketplace where independent instructors sell courses directly to individuals and businesses.
