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Online learning is entering a new phase. Coursera and Udemy have announced a merger. The deal values the combined business at approximately $2.5 billion. The move aims to meet the growing demand for AI skills and job-focused learning.
Coursera and Udemy are popular online education platforms worldwide. Coursera is known for providing courses from universities and institutions. Udemy is known for skill-based classes and corporate training. By coming together, both companies want to target students, professionals, and companies on a larger scale.
The Coursera Udemy merger comes at a time when the job market is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence now affects almost every role. Many skills have become outdated faster than before, emphasizing the need to keep learning. Companies also need better tools for employee training. The combined platform aims to solve this problem by offering faster, more flexible learning options.
The deal is an all-stock transaction. Udemy shareholders will receive 0.80 shares of Coursera stock for each of their Udemy shares. This gives Udemy investors a premium of about 26% compared to recent market prices. After the merger, Coursera shareholders will own nearly 59% of the new company while Udemy shareholders will own around 41%.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart said the world is at a turning point and AI is changing skill needs across industries. According to him, learners and companies need a platform that can keep up with this pace. Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin also mentioned that Udemy has helped millions learn in-demand skills for over 15 years. He believes the merger will create more value for learners, instructors, and businesses.
Enterprise training plays a key role in this deal. Many companies now spend more on AI skills, data science, and software training. The merged company plans to offer stronger subscription plans for businesses. These plans should help companies train workers without disrupting daily work.
The companies also expect to reduce costs. They estimate yearly savings of about $115 million within two years after the deal closes. These savings may come from shared technology, marketing, and operations. Coursera has also said it plans to buy back shares after the merger.
Investors have reacted positively. Coursera shares rose after the announcement. Udemy shares saw a sharp jump. Investors such as Insight Venture Partners and New Enterprise Associates have agreed to support the deal. Andrew Ng, chairman of Coursera’s board, has also backed the merger.
The deal still needs regulatory approval and shareholder votes. The companies expect to complete the merger in the second half of 2026. Until then, Coursera and Udemy will continue to operate separately. Learners and instructors will see no immediate changes.
The Coursera Udemy merger shows a clear trend in the edtech industry. Growth in consumer learning has slowed. Companies now focus more on enterprise training and AI skills. This deal could lead to more consolidation in online education.
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