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Anthology and Blackboard Merging to Create Massive Ed Tech Ecosystem

Anthology and Blackboard have announced a merger, pairing the former's enterprise software for enrollment management, student engagement, alumni fundraising and institutional effectiveness with the latter's learning management software, communication tools and student success solutions. The combined company (as yet unnamed) will offer a broad "ed tech ecosystem" across academic, administrative and student engagement applications, according to a news announcement.

The new company will be led by Jim Milton, current chairman and chief executive officer of Anthology. "Upon the completion of this merger, we will have a data-driven product portfolio that seeks to touch every constituent at the institution and will aim to transform the way education uses technology to engage, connect, teach, learn and drive efficiencies across the institution," commented Milton, in a statement. "We believe this combination will enhance the solutions and services available to faculty and students, and we are deeply committed to delivering greater value and innovation to our customers and partners. Anthology and Blackboard are fully aligned around a deep focus on learner success, and I am excited to lead the combined company as we embark on this next phase of growth together."

Private equity firm Veritas Capital will be majority owner of the combined company, with Leeds Equity Partners and Providence Equity Partners holding minority stakes. Veritas and Leeds are currently majority owners of Anthology, while Providence is currently majority owner of Blackboard. The merger is expected to close by the end of this year.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

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