Remote Learning

Class Technologies is Acquiring Blackboard Collaborate; Will Be Merged as Class Collaborate

• By Kristal Kuykendall
• 05/27/22

Synchronous virtual learning provider Class Technologies has announced it will acquire the Blackboard Collaborate virtual classroom tool from Anthology in a deal reportedly valued at $210 million.

Anthology's Blackboard Collaborate, through its integration with Blackboard Learn Ultra, serves over 10 million users across 1,300 educational institutions in 75 countries. Class built its education customer base by adding virtual learning tools to the Zoom platform. Together, Class and Blackboard Collaborate will serve over 1,750 higher education, K–12, and professional development organizations globally, according to a news release.

Anthology said selling Blackboard Collaborate will allow the company to “focus more resources on accelerating innovation within its flagship learning management system, Blackboard Learn Ultra” and other education solutions.

Class Technologies said it will continue supporting customers across Class for Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate. The companies said in their announcement that the integration of Class and Blackboard Collaborate will allow the two teams to combine their expertise to “build the next-generation learning platform for hybrid, hyflex, and online learning.”

The deal also means that Blackboard will make Class its preferred video meeting partner.

The sale is expected to close in by July 1, 2022, pending required regulatory approvals. After closing, Blackboard Collaborate — which was folded into Anthology after the company’s merger with Blackboard last year — will be renamed Class Collaborate.

Learn more at Class.com/collaborate.