News and Research

Learning and Education Technology M&A Update Q1 2019

Investment Banking

May 23, 2019 – (Los Angeles) – Solganick & Co. has published its latest Learning and Education Technology (EdTech) M&A Update for Q1 2019.  The following summarizes the report:

Quick Answer

Solganick & Co.'s Q1 2019 Learning and Education Technology M&A Update reported 106 transactions with a total announced value of $5.8 billion. Private equity was a significant driver, accounting for approximately 53% of these deals as minority PE investments. The corporate market comprised about 45% of all transactions, with diverse activity across domains like Career & Recruiting, which made up 25% of total deals.

  • 106 Learning & Education Technology transactions were announced in Q1 2019; approximately 53% were minority PE deals.
  • $5.8 billion in Q1 2019 in announced transaction value is driven by PE majority deals.
  • Companies focused on the Corporate market comprised of approximately 45% of transactions announced in Q1 2019.
  • The industry saw a healthy mix of activity across all domains in Q1 2019, with Career & Recruiting comprising 25%, Learning and Training 17%, Administrative 17%, Tutoring, Training & Certification 14% of total transactions.
  • Q1 2019 deals announced include the $1.75 billion Turnitin.com acquisition by Advance Publications and Reverence Capital Partners acquisition of Blackbaud’s Transact division for $700M.

 

 

The full report can be accessed and downloaded here: Solganick Learning and EdTech M&A Update Q1 2019

For more information or to inquire about an M&A transaction, contact Solganick & Co.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What were the key trends in Learning and Education Technology M&A during Q1 2019?

In Q1 2019, 106 Learning & Education Technology transactions were announced, totaling $5.8 billion in value. Approximately 53% of these were minority private equity deals, and the corporate market comprised about 45% of transactions.

2 How active was private equity in the EdTech M&A market in Q1 2019?

Private equity was very active in Q1 2019, driving the $5.8 billion in announced transaction value. Approximately 53% of the 106 announced deals in the Learning & Education Technology sector were minority private equity transactions.

3 Which specific sectors within EdTech saw the most M&A activity in Q1 2019?

The EdTech industry saw a healthy mix of activity across various domains in Q1 2019. Career & Recruiting comprised 25% of total transactions, followed by Learning and Training at 17%, Administrative at 17%, and Tutoring, Training & Certification at 14%.

4 Can you provide examples of notable EdTech M&A deals from Q1 2019?

Notable deals announced in Q1 2019 included the $1.75 billion acquisition of Turnitin.com by Advance Publications. Another significant transaction was Reverence Capital Partners' acquisition of Blackbaud’s Transact division for $700 million.