Coursera and Udemy have agreed to merge in a landmark $2.5 billion deal, announced on Wednesday. Coursera will acquire Udemy in an all-stock transaction, with the merger expected to close in the second half of next year, subject to regulatory approval and shareholder backing. The move brings together two of the biggest names in online education, marking a major shift in the industry.
The deal comes at a tough time for both companies. Despite reporting revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, their share prices have fallen, showing investors’ doubts about the platforms. By joining forces, Coursera and Udemy hope to reassure shareholders that the combined company can deliver stronger returns and long-term growth. Udemy CEO Hugo Sarrazin said the merger would create “meaningful benefits” for learners, instructors, and enterprise customers, while also boosting shareholder value.
Both companies are betting big on artificial intelligence to drive the future of online learning. Coursera recently partnered with OpenAI’s ChatGPT ecosystem and Anthropic, while Udemy just launched an AI-powered microlearning tool that offers short, personalized lessons. Sarrazin noted that the merger would speed up the rollout of more AI-driven products, helping the platforms stay ahead in a fast-changing market.
Coursera CEO Greg Hart added that the merger comes at a time when AI is reshaping the workplace. With job postings requiring AI skills rising sharply, the companies believe their combined platform will help workers and organizations adapt. “We’re at a pivotal moment in which AI is rapidly redefining the skills required for every job across every industry,” Hart said, stressing the need for agile learning solutions to meet new demands.