Coursera to Acquire Udemy in $2.5 Billion All-Stock Deal to Create Global EdTech Leader

In a landmark consolidation for the online education industry, Coursera has reached a definitive agreement to acquire rival platform Udemy in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion. The deal, which was unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, creates a dominant global entity designed to bridge the gap between formal academic credentials and rapid, skills-based professional training. By combining Coursera’s deep ties with top-tier universities and Udemy’s expansive marketplace of instructor-led content, the merger aims to establish a comprehensive learning ecosystem tailored to the evolving demands of an AI-driven workforce.

Under the terms of the agreement, Udemy shareholders will receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock for each share of Udemy stock they own. This exchange ratio represents a premium of approximately 26% based on Udemy’s 30-day average closing price, signaling strong confidence in the growth potential of the combined firm. Upon the closing of the transaction, existing Coursera shareholders are expected to own approximately 59% of the new entity, with Udemy shareholders holding the remaining 41%. The combined company will operate under the Coursera brand and continue to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol COUR.

The strategic rationale behind the union focuses heavily on operational efficiency and market breadth. The companies project that the combined entity will generate pro forma annual revenue exceeding $1.5 billion. Furthermore, executives have identified approximately $115 million in annual run-rate cost synergies, which they expect to realize within 24 months of the deal's closing. These savings are anticipated to come from streamlining technology stacks, reducing administrative redundancies, and optimizing global marketing efforts.

Leadership for the newly expanded company has also been clarified, with Greg Hart slated to continue as Chief Executive Officer. Andrew Ng, Coursera’s co-founder, will remain as Chairman of the Board, ensuring the company maintains its pedagogical vision. In a joint statement, leadership emphasized that the merger is critical for navigating the "AI skills revolution," allowing the platform to serve learners at every stage of their career from foundational degrees to just-in-time technical upskilling. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals and shareholder votes, and is expected to close in the second half of 2026.