Udemy (UDMY) agrees to Coursera all-stock merger at 0.800 exchange ratio
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Udemy, Inc. has agreed to merge with Coursera, Inc. in an all‑stock transaction. Each share of Udemy common stock will be converted at closing into the right to receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock, with cash paid instead of any fractional Coursera shares. After the merger, Udemy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Coursera.
Udemy’s board unanimously determined the merger is fair and in the best interests of stockholders and is recommending that stockholders vote to adopt the merger agreement. Udemy equity awards will be converted into Coursera-based awards using the same 0.800 exchange ratio, generally preserving existing vesting and other key terms.
Upon closing, Coursera’s board will have nine directors, including three current Udemy directors. The agreement includes customary closing conditions, regulatory approvals and termination rights, plus reciprocal $40.5 million termination fees and $8.0 million expense reimbursements in specified circumstances. Voting agreements cover holders of about 12% of Coursera and 26% of Udemy outstanding shares in support of the deal.
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Insights
Udemy will be acquired by Coursera in an all‑stock deal at a fixed share-exchange ratio.
The transaction makes Udemy a wholly owned subsidiary of Coursera, with each Udemy share exchanged for 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock. This is a stock‑for‑stock combination, so value for Udemy holders will depend on Coursera’s share price when the merger closes. Udemy’s RSUs, PSUs, options and SARs are being rolled into Coursera equity instruments using the same exchange ratio, generally preserving vesting and other core terms.
Post‑closing, Coursera’s board will have nine members, six existing Coursera directors and three Udemy directors, while Coursera’s current chair and CEO remain in their roles. That structure keeps strategic control with Coursera while still giving Udemy representation. Support agreements from significant holders representing about
The merger is subject to stockholder votes at both companies, NYSE listing authorization for new Coursera shares, effectiveness of a Form S‑4 registration statement, and antitrust and other regulatory clearances. The agreement includes reciprocal termination fees of
FAQ
What merger terms did Udemy (UDMY) agree to with Coursera?
Under the merger agreement, each share of Udemy common stock will be converted into the right to receive 0.800 shares of Coursera common stock, with cash paid instead of any fractional Coursera shares. After closing, Udemy will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Coursera.
How will Udemy (UDMY) equity awards be treated in the Coursera merger?
Outstanding Udemy RSUs and PSUs will be assumed by Coursera and converted into Coursera RSUs based on the 0.800 exchange ratio, generally keeping the same vesting and other terms. Udemy stock options and stock appreciation rights will also convert into Coursera equity, based on the exchange ratio and Coursera’s trading price before closing, after accounting for the applicable exercise price.
What governance structure is planned after the Udemy–Coursera merger closes?
After the effective time, Coursera’s board is expected to have nine directors, including six current Coursera directors and three current Udemy directors. Coursera’s current chairman and chief executive officer will continue in their roles at the combined company.
What approvals and conditions must be satisfied for the Udemy (UDMY) and Coursera merger to close?
Completion requires Udemy stockholder adoption of the merger agreement, Coursera stockholder approval of the stock issuance and a charter amendment to increase authorized Coursera shares, NYSE authorization for listing the new Coursera shares, expiration or termination of applicable antitrust waiting periods and other regulatory approvals, and effectiveness of a Form S‑4 registration statement. Udemy must also receive a tax opinion that the merger qualifies as a reorganization under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Are there termination fees in the Udemy (UDMY) and Coursera merger agreement?
Yes. In certain circumstances, including specified changes in board recommendations or competing transactions, the party triggering termination must pay the other a $40.5 million termination fee. If the agreement is terminated because required stockholder approval at Udemy or Coursera is not obtained, the relevant company must reimburse the other party’s expenses in the amount of $8.0 million.
What voting support exists for the Udemy–Coursera transaction?
Certain Coursera significant stockholders representing about 12% of Coursera’s outstanding shares agreed to vote for the stock issuance and charter amendment. Certain Udemy significant stockholders representing about 26% of Udemy’s outstanding shares agreed to vote in favor of adopting the merger agreement, subject to the terms of their voting agreements.
Does the Udemy–Coursera communication include forward-looking statements and related risks?
Yes. The communication includes forward-looking statements about the expected timing and potential benefits of the business combination and the combined company’s outlook. It also lists numerous risks and uncertainties, including regulatory approvals, integration challenges, potential business disruptions, and market conditions, and directs investors to future Form S‑4 and joint proxy statement/prospectus filings for additional risk details.