Coursera and Udemy was announced on Wednesday a major merger deal worth about $2.5 billion, bringing together two of the biggest names in online learning.
Coursera will acquire Udemy in an all-stock transaction, marking a watershed moment in online education. The companies said the merger would be finalized in the second half of next year, pending regulatory review and shareholder approval.
This deal comes at a difficult time for both Udemy and Coursera, as each faces market headwinds. Despite both companies posting revenue growth in the third trimester in 2025, their share prices fell, highlighting the lack of investor confidence in the platforms.
As a combined companyUdemy and Coursera aimed to reassure shareholders by suggesting that the combined strengths of both platforms could deliver both immediate returns and long-term growth potential.
“Through this combination with Coursera, we will create significant benefits for our students, corporate customers and instructors, while delivering significant value to our shareholders, who will participate in the significant upside potential of the combined company,” said Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin.
Additionally, as the online learning market continues to expand — particularly with the adoption of artificial intelligence — Sarrazin said the merger will accelerate plans to introduce AI-powered products.
Coursera recently announced an integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT app ecosystem and a content partnership with Anthropic. Wednesday’s announcement also comes just two days after Udemy unfolded the new “AI-powered microlearning experience,” which aims to give students shorter, personalized lessons that fit around their busy schedules.
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Companies also believe the merger will better position them to address how AI is transforming the workplace, as AI literacy becomes a requirement for many employees. Job postings requiring AI skills have increased in recent years and according to an investigationone in three hiring managers wouldn’t consider candidates without them.
“We’re at a pivotal moment where artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining the skills needed for every job in every industry. Organizations and individuals around the world need a platform that’s as flexible as the new and emerging skills learners need to master,” added Coursera CEO Greg Hart.
