• Education Software Company Renaissance Learning Acquired By PE Firm For $440 Million

    Leena Rao

    Leena Rao is currently a Senior Editor for TechCrunch. She recently finished graduate school at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, where she studied business journalism and videography. From 2004 to 2007, she helped lead Congresswoman Carloyn Maloney’s community outreach and relations efforts in New York City. She graduated from Columbia University in 2003, where she was... → Learn More

    Tuesday, August 16th, 2011
    Renaissance Learning—Advanced Technology for Data-Driven Schools

    After Blackboard was acquired by Providence Equity Partners for $1.6 billion in cash, fellow educational software company Renaissance Learning (Nasdaq: RLRN) has been bought by private equity firm Permira Funds for $14.85 per share in cash, or approximately $440 million.

    Renaissance Learning creates school improvement and student assessment technology programs for K through 12 schools. The company’s software, which is being used by 70,000 schools, helps assess monitor progress in a variety of subjects, including math, reading and more. The software help provides tools to personalize the learning experience and manage the daily activities for students of all levels.

    The company says the transaction represents a premium of 26% over Renaissance Learning’s closing stock price from yesterday. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011.