Coursera to Acquire Udemy in $2.5bn Deal to Create AI-era Learning Giant

Online education pioneer Coursera Inc. announced recently that it has agreed to acquire rival Udemy Inc. in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.5 billion, a move aimed at consolidating the digital learning market as companies scramble to reskill their workers for artificial intelligence (AI).

According to a press release, the deal combines Coursera’s academic-focused ecosystem, which partners with top-tier universities like Yale and Stanford, with Udemy’s massive marketplace of practitioner-led skills training. The combined entity will boast a pro forma annual revenue of over $1.5 billion and serve a global audience of more than 200 million learners.

Under the terms of the agreement, Udemy stockholders will receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock for each share of Udemy common stock. The offer represents a 26% premium over the 30-day average closing prices of both companies. Upon closing, Coursera shareholders will own approximately 59% of the combined company, while Udemy shareholders will hold the remaining 41%.

“We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry,” Greg Hart, CEO of Coursera, said in a statement.

Hart will lead the combined company, which will retain the Coursera name and its headquarters in Mountain View.

The acquisition comes as the "edtech" sector faces pressure to prove its long-term value following a post-pandemic slowdown. By joining forces, the companies expect to achieve $115 million in annual cost synergies within two years. They also plan to launch a "sizable" share repurchase program following the close of the deal.

The transaction is a strategic pivot toward the enterprise market, where corporations are increasingly seeking "AI-native" training tools to keep their workforces competitive. Coursera, a Public Benefit Corporation, said the merger would accelerate its roadmap for AI-powered features, such as personalized coaching and automated course building.

“As a united platform, we can accelerate our AI-powered product roadmap and expand our global reach,” said Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin.

The boards of both companies have unanimously approved the merger. Major shareholders, including Insight Venture Partners, New Enterprise Associates, and Coursera co-founder Andrew Ng, have also pledged their support.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and the consent of both sets of shareholders. Once finalized, Udemy’s stock will cease trading on the Nasdaq, and the combined company will trade under Coursera’s current ticker, "COUR," on the New York Stock Exchange.