Bertelsmann, a global media, services, and education powerhouse, has significantly expanded its education division with the acquisition of Oncourse Learning, a leading U.S.-based online education provider. This strategic investment, valued in the mid-nine-digit euro range, underscores Bertelsmann’s commitment to the burgeoning education sector and marks a substantial strengthening of its footprint in the American market. The acquisition of OnCourse Learning from CIP Capital is poised to be one of Bertelsmann’s most significant U.S. transactions, following landmark deals such as Random House and Relias. Anticipated to finalize this fall, the deal is currently awaiting customary regulatory approvals.
Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, OnCourse Learning has established itself as a prominent player in digital corporate and professional training. With a workforce of approximately 375 employees, the company delivers a vast library of over 22,000 online courses to around 750,000 learners and 19,000 B2B clients annually. OnCourse Learning primarily focuses on the healthcare and financial services industries, with a smaller presence in the real estate sector. This acquisition strategically positions Bertelsmann to capitalize on the increasing demand for online learning solutions across diverse professional fields.
Thomas Rabe, Chairman and CEO of Bertelsmann, emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition: “The acquisition of OnCourse Learning is a pivotal strategic move for Bertelsmann on multiple fronts. It significantly expands our education business by incorporating a company with substantial growth potential in the vital area of oncourse learning. Furthermore, this transaction considerably bolsters our presence in the U.S., a key market where we already generate a significant portion of our revenue. We anticipate the U.S. market to contribute an even larger share to our overall revenue in the near future.”
Upon completion of the acquisition, OnCourse Learning’s Healthcare division will be strategically integrated into Relias, Bertelsmann’s existing subsidiary specializing in online education for the healthcare industry. This integration will forge a market-leading entity in online healthcare education, combining the strengths of both organizations. Bertelsmann has consistently invested in Relias, enhancing its capabilities through strategic acquisitions and fostering robust organic growth under the leadership of CEO Jim Triandiflou. The addition of OnCourse Learning will further solidify Relias’s leadership and expand its offerings within the healthcare education landscape.
Kay Krafft, CEO of Bertelsmann Education Group, highlighted the strategic fit: “At Bertelsmann Education Group, our core focus is on career-oriented learning within carefully selected industries. OnCourse Learning perfectly aligns with this strategic direction. Their Healthcare division will be instrumental in strengthening Relias’s operations. Moreover, the financial services sector represents another high-growth area, driven by mandatory compliance training and professional development needs. We are excited to welcome OnCourse Learning and its talented team to the Bertelsmann Education Group.”
Relias CEO Jim Triandiflou elaborated on the synergistic benefits: “As Relias expands its reach into Acute Care, OnCourse Learning brings invaluable assets, including a substantial client base of over 500 hospitals and exceptional nursing solutions, notably the renowned nurse.com platform. Coupled with Relias’s established dominance in Post-Acute Care and Behavioral Health, this acquisition positions us uniquely to deliver data-driven solutions that promote consistency and quality across the entire continuum of care.” This positions the combined entity as a comprehensive solution provider for healthcare organizations seeking to optimize staff training and performance through oncourse learning methodologies.
While the Healthcare division will be integrated with Relias, OnCourse Learning’s operations in financial services and real estate sectors will continue as distinct business units, allowing Bertelsmann to leverage their established market presence and expertise. This strategic approach ensures that Bertelsmann can effectively cater to the specific needs of diverse professional sectors through targeted oncourse learning solutions.
The U.S. market for continuing education in healthcare and financial services alone is estimated at a substantial $3.6 billion. Digital learning platforms, like OnCourse Learning, offer organizations a cost-effective and efficient means to upskill and reskill their workforce. This acquisition underscores Bertelsmann’s strategic foresight in tapping into the high-growth potential of digital education and oncourse learning solutions within these key sectors.
Bertelsmann Education Group, established in 2016, encompasses Relias and a stake in the Udacity lifelong learning platform, demonstrating Bertelsmann’s broad commitment to education. In the first half of 2018, Bertelsmann Education Group experienced revenue growth exceeding 20 percent, highlighting the success of its strategic focus. Beyond the U.S., Bertelsmann is actively expanding its education businesses into high-growth regions including China, India, and Brazil, signaling a global ambition in the education market and the power of oncourse learning on a global scale.
About Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann is a global media, services, and education company with operations spanning approximately 50 countries. Its diverse portfolio includes RTL Group (broadcasting), Penguin Random House (trade book publishing), Gruner + Jahr (magazine publishing), BMG (music), Arvato (services), Bertelsmann Printing Group, Bertelsmann Education Group, and Bertelsmann Investments (international network of funds). With a workforce of 119,000 employees, Bertelsmann generated revenues of €17.2 billion in the 2017 financial year. Bertelsmann is synonymous with entrepreneurship and creativity, fostering first-class media content and innovative service solutions that resonate with customers worldwide. The acquisition of OnCourse Learning further exemplifies Bertelsmann’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic vision in the evolving landscape of global education.
