We’re officially in the last quarter of 2024. Over the course of this year, the corporate training market has rolled out innovative products and technologies, many of which are driven by artificial intelligence (AI). This makes sense, given that recent Training Industry research found that over one-half (54%) of organizations are using AI for training fairly often.

That said, there’s still a significant need for AI upskilling — for both training professionals and employees across the business. Let’s take a moment to consider the deals that took place last quarter, which reflect the need for AI upskilling, more holistic sales training and support, and more.

Learning Tech

The learning technologies market segment saw the most activity last quarter. Here are the deals we took note of:

• London-based Learning Technologies Group (LTG) is set to agree to a 792 million pounds ($1.06 billion) takeover bid by General Atlantic, a U.S.-based private equity firm, if a formal offer is made. “LTG, which provides corporate training tools including mobile apps and training videos, said its board was inclined to recommend the proposed offer of 100 pence per LTG share if General Atlantic makes a firm offer on those financial terms,” the press release
• Instructure Holdings, Inc. (“Instructure”), an online learning ecosystem and provider of Canvas, a learning management system (LMS), entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by investment funds managed by KKR, a leading global investment firm, for $23.60 per share in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $4.8 billion.

• Whatfix, a provider of digital adoption platforms, secured $125 million in a Series E funding round to enhance its product suite and strengthen its footprint in the global public sector.
• Uplimit, an AI-powered enterprise learning solutions provider, closed a $11 million Series A funding round. The investment “emphasizes the critical need for effective employee upskilling solutions due to the accelerating pace of GenAI’s influence on the future of work,” according to the press release.

Workforce Development

The workforce development sector saw two deals last quarter, highlighting the growing demand for training and upskilling among front-line and skilled trades workers.

• L2L, a connected workforce solutions provider, announced the acquisition of SwipeGuide, a provider of mobile-first front-line training and visual job aids for the manufacturing workforce with a strong presence in Europe. According to the press release, “With the addition of SwipeGuide to its product portfolio, L2L is better positioned to support its customers’ frontline training and upskilling efforts — a need underscored by the ongoing shortage of skilled manufacturing employees.”
• Interplay Learning (“Interplay”), an immersive skilled trades training provider, secured funding from Goldman Sachs Alternatives (“Goldman Sachs”) and acquired Industrial Training International (ITI) to expand its footprint in key sectors. As part of this investment round, Interplay is adding Richard Waitumbi, managing director at Goldman Sachs, to its board of directors.

Other Deals By Market Segment

Content Development:

• Global learning technology company D2L announced that it has acquired H5P Group, a provider of interactive content creation software. “This transaction aligns with D2L’s commitment to expanding its learning platform with a focus on technologies that enhance the learning moment and improve learning outcomes,” the press release

Compliance:

• KnowBe4, provider of security awareness training and a simulated phishing platform, announced the completion of its acquisition of Egress, a provider of adaptive and integrated cloud email security solutions.

Strategy:

• Lumify Group, a provider of corporate information communications technology (ICT), soft skills and digital skills training, announced the acquisition of Wizard Corporate Training, an Australian training provider.

Sales:

• Richardson Sales Performance (“Richardson”), a leading global provider of sales training solutions, announced the acquisition of Challenger, known for their research-based Challenger selling approach.

Leadership:

• Apprentify Group, a U.K.-based digital and technical apprenticeship provider, announced the acquisition of ioda, a management and leadership training and coaching firm.

What did you think of last quarter’s deals? What are your market predictions for next quarter? Share your thoughts by tagging Training Industry on social media or by emailing editor@trainingindustry.com.