Bertelsmann Strengthens Education Business with Acquisition of RediLearning
- Acquisition by Bertelsmann subsidiary Relias Learning
- First acquisition under the Bertelsmann Education Group umbrella
- RediLearning is leading U.S. online learning company focused exclusively on the senior care industry
- Further expansion of strategic growth platform of education
Bertelsmann is further expanding its e-learning business in the education sector. Relias Learning, a subsidiary of the international media, services, and education company, today announced its full takeover of RediLearning, an e-learning company based in Boca Raton, Florida. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
Bertelsmann Chairman and CEO Thomas Rabe comments: “The acquisition of RediLearning fits perfectly into our education strategy. E-Learning is a strategic segment for Bertelsmann as we develop our education business. Relias is a core investment, and we will continue to develop it organically and through acquisitions. The RediLearning acquisition strengthens Relias’ market position and lays the cornerstone for further growth.”
RediLearning was founded in 2006 by Michael and Sally Hemlepp and is a leading U.S. provider of online training in the field of senior care. Its offer includes over 400 online courses that are currently used by approximately 120 customers in 48 U.S. states. Already, more than 20 percent of all job-related training worldwide is completed online – three times more than ten years ago.
Bertelsmann Education Group CEO Kay Krafft adds: “With its focus on healthcare and a digital business model, RediLearning complements Relias perfectly. The addition of RediLearning’s offers will enable Relias to better take advantage of the trend toward digitization in vocational training. For the Bertelsmann Education Group, this transaction is another step in expanding our e-learning business.”
RediLearning is the first acquisition under the Bertelsmann Education Group umbrella since it was founded in September. The Bertelsmann Education Group pools Bertelsmann’s various education activities.
The acquisition of Relias Learning in November 2014 for an amount in the mid-hundreds of millions (USD) was Bertelsmann’s largest in the United States since the purchase of Random House in 1998. Relias has been on the “Inc. 5000” list for fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. every year between 2012 and 2014.
Relias Learning CEO Jim Triandiflou says: “The acquisition of RediLearning is an important step in the advancement of our strategy, as it expands our learning content and solutions and positions us for continued growth within larger providers and healthcare systems. Our goal at Relias is to be the premier provider of learning solutions across the entire healthcare spectrum. We’re excited to have RediLearning join us on our mission.”
Bertelsmann is focusing its education activities on online education in the healthcare and technology sectors. In the medium term, education is to become a third mainstay of business for Bertelsmann alongside media and services, with revenues of around one billion euros.
About Bertelsmann
Bertelsmann is a media, services and education company that operates in about 50 countries around the world. It includes the broadcaster RTL Group, the trade book publisher Penguin Random House, the magazine publisher Gruner + Jahr, the service providers Arvato and Be Printers, the music company BMG and the Bertelsmann Education Group. The company has more than 112,000 employees and generated revenues of €16.7 billion in financial year 2014. Bertelsmann stands for creativity and entrepreneurship. This combination promotes the creation of first-class media content and innovative service solutions that inspire customers around the world.
About the Bertelsmann Education Group
The Bertelsmann Education Group encompasses Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA’s education businesses. The group is shaping learning in the 21st century with online education offerings focused on the healthcare and technology sectors. Bertelsmann Education Group utilizes Bertelsmann's resources and global network.
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