LinkedIn acquires lynda.com for $1.5B

LinkedIn is acquiring online teaching service lynda.com for $1.5 billion, the social network announced Thursday.

The $1.5 billion will be a combination of cash (52%) and stock (48%). The deal is expected to close during the second quarter of 2015.

Lynda.com allows users to access a variety of courses taught by industry experts for a monthly subscription.

"The mission of LinkedIn and the mission of lynda.com are highly aligned," said LinkedIn CEO Jeff Weiner in a statement. "Both companies seek to help professionals be better at what they do."

Shares of LinkedIn are up 1.4% in pre-market trading.

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