Professional network LinkedIn is set to buy online learning company Lynda.com for $1.5 billion, in a move that allows it to integrate online learning into its offerings.
Lynda.com offers online courses in business, software, technology and creative skills, and can be subscribed to by individuals or corporate, academic and government organisations. A subscription gives members access to an "extensive" video library of courses taught by recognised industry experts, and is available in English, German, French, Japanese and Spanish.
Lynda.com was established in California in 1995, and has over 500 employees worldwide.
In a recent statement, LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner said the firms' missions were "highly aligned. Both companies seek to help professionals be better at what they do. When integrated with the hundreds of millions of members and millions of jobs on LinkedIn, Lynda.com can change the way in which people connect to opportunity."
LinkedIn said the transaction is valued at about $1.5 billion "subject to adjustment" and will be paid for through cash (52%), while shares will make up the balance of the payment.
The deal is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015, with most members of the Lynda.com team joining LinkedIn.
Ryan Roslansky, head of global content products at LinkedIn, said in a blog post that "millions of professionals around the world are in a constant state of learning to achieve their professional goals every day", meaning crash courses in a new skill are often required.
Roslansky explained the integration of the online learning company will allow LinkedIn members to see what skills are needed for a particular job. It will then prompt them to take the relevant Lynda.com course to help them obtain the necessary skills.
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