Edtech majors Coursera and Udemy are set to merge businesses by mid-2026 in an all-stock transaction values the combined company at approximately $2.5
billion, the companies announced on Wednesday, December 17.
After the close of the transaction, Coursera shareholders are expected to own about 59% of the combined company, while Udemy shareholders will hold the remaining 41%, on a fully diluted basis.
Under the terms of the deal, Udemy shareholders will receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock for each Udemy share held, representing a 26% premium to the companies’ average share prices over the 30 trading days prior to the announcement.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart said the merger would keep them in a stronger position to serve the global talent market powered by foundations of artificial intelligence (AI).
"As AI rapidly redefines the skills required for every job across every industry, organizations, and individuals need a platform that can evolve as quickly as the new and emerging skills they must master," Hart wrote.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory and shareholder approvals and other customary closing conditions.
New entity to operate under Coursera brand
The new entity will operate under the Coursera name, trade under the ticker symbol COUR on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and have its headquarters in Mountain View, California. However, Udemy’s shares will be delisted from Nasdaq upon completion of the transaction.
Similarly, Coursera CEO Greg Hart and Coursera Chairman Andrew Ng will stay on in their positions and lead the combined company. The board will comprise nine directors, including six from Coursera and three from Udemy.
The companies said the merger would combine Coursera’s strength in university partnerships and credentialed learning with Udemy’s marketplace of professional and technical skills courses, expanding their reach across consumer, enterprise, university, and government segments.
Coursera and Udemy expect the transaction to generate annual run-rate cost synergies of about $115 million within two years of closing, largely through operational efficiencies and shared technology investments. Coursera also said it plans to launch a share repurchase programme following completion of the deal.
