LinkedIn Corp. agreed to acquire online career-skills educator lynda.com in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $1.5 billion, representing the professional social network’s largest deal ever.
The transaction is valued at approximately $1.5 billion, subject to adjustment, in a combination of approximately 52 percent cash and approximately 48 percent stock. Subject to the completion of customary conditions, the acquisition is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015.
LinkedIn makes most of its money from job recruiting, premium subscriptions and advertising. The social network for professionals has been continuing its shift to mobile as well as expansion abroad.
“The mission of LinkedIn and the mission of lynda.com are highly aligned. Both companies seek to help professionals be better at what they do,” said Jeff Weiner, CEO of LinkedIn. “lynda.com’s extensive library of premium video content helps empower people to develop the skills needed to accelerate their careers. 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.”
Following the closing of the deal, expected in the current quarter, most members of the lynda.com team are expected to join Mountainview, Calif.-based LinkedIn. The deal will be funded 52% in cash and 48% in stock.
Shares of LinkedIn, up 41% over the past year, fell 1.4% in morning trading to $248.72.
