Edtech leaders Coursera and Udemy plan to merge by mid-2026 in an all-stock deal that values the combined entity at around $2.5 billion, as announced on Wednesday, December 17.
Post-transaction, Coursera shareholders are anticipated to own roughly 59% of the new company, with Udemy shareholders retaining the remaining 41%, calculated on a fully diluted basis.
According to the deal’s terms, Udemy shareholders will receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock for each share of Udemy they hold, reflecting a 26% premium based on the average stock prices over the 30 days leading up to the announcement.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart stated that the merger will fortify their ability to cater to the global talent market, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI).
“As AI swiftly reshapes the skills needed across various jobs and industries, both organizations and individuals require a platform that can adapt as quickly as the new skills they need to acquire,” Hart mentioned.
The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the transaction, which is projected to finalize in the latter half of 2026, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals alongside standard closing conditions.
New entity to operate under Coursera brand
The new entity will function under the Coursera brand, trade as COUR on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and will be headquartered in Mountain View, California. Udemy shares will be delisted from Nasdaq upon the deal’s completion.
Additionally, Coursera CEO Greg Hart and Chairman Andrew Ng will remain in their roles to lead the merged company. The board will consist of nine directors, six from Coursera and three from Udemy.
The merger aims to combine Coursera’s expertise in university partnerships and credentialed learning with Udemy’s extensive marketplace of professional and technical skills courses, enhancing their presence in consumer, enterprise, university, and government sectors.
The companies anticipate that the transaction will yield annual run-rate cost synergies of approximately $115 million within two years post-closing, primarily through operational efficiencies and shared technology investments. Coursera has also indicated plans for a share repurchase program following the transaction’s completion.
