Skillsoft
Skillsoft is an American educational technology company that produces learning management system software and content.
Formerly | SmartForce[1] |
---|---|
Private | |
Industry | Software as a service |
Founded | August 8, 1998[2] |
Headquarters | 300 Innovative Way, Suite 201[3], Nashua, NH , United States[4] |
Key people | Ronald Hovsepian, Executive Chairman John Frederick, Chief Administrative Officer Bobby Jenkins, Chief Financial Officer[5] |
Products | Educational technology, learning management systems, training content |
Owner | Charterhouse Capital Partners (as of April 2014) |
Number of employees | 2,400[6] (2014) |
Website | www |
History
Skillsoft was founded by Charles Moran in 1998. Moran served as Chief Executive Officer and President from 1998 to 2015.[7]
Skillsoft had an IPO under the stock symbol SKIL in February 2000[8] and a SPO in July 2001.[9][10]
Skillsoft acquired Books24x7 in 2001.[11] In 2002, Skillsoft merged with IT courseware company SmartForce, with the combined company retaining the Skillsoft name.[12] The company acquired NETg from Thomson Corporation in 2007.[12]
In May 2010, the company was bought out for US$1.2 billion by SSI Investments III Limited, a firm funded by Berkshire Partners, Advent International and Bain Capital.[13][14] Skillsoft acquired Element K from NIIT in October 2011, and MindLeaders from ThirdForce Group in September 2012.[13]
Skillsoft was sold by Berkshire Partners to Charterhouse Capital Partners for US$2.0 Billion on April 28, 2014.[13][2] Later that year, Skillsoft acquired SumTotal Systems in September 2014.[15] In May 2015, Skillsoft acquired Vodeclic SAS.[16]
In September 2017, Skillsoft launched virtual coding practice lab CodeX, which provides coding exercises with embedded video content.[17][18]
On June 14, 2020, Skillsoft voluntarily filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the United States.[19]
References
- "Struggling SmartForce to merge with US counterpart". Irish Times. 2002-06-11. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
- "SkillSoft". CrunchBase. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- http://www.skillsoft.com/contact.asp
- "Skillsoft Corporation Company Information". Hoovers. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- https://www.skillsoft.com/leadership-team/
- http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2014/10/01/skillsoft-acquisition-of-sumtotal-corporate-training-market-disruption/.
- "Commvault Systems Inc (CVLT.OQ) Company officers". Reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 2019-06-28.
- "Skillsoft Corp (SKIL) IPO". NASDAQ. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- "Skillsoft Corp (SKIL) SPO". NASDAQ. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- Brown, Rodney H. (February 15, 2010). "SkillSoft to go private in $1B buyout from Bain and partners". Boston Business Journal. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- "goFLUENT Taps Former Skillsoft Executive as Part of Global Expansion". Business Wire. Business Wire. Retrieved 20 February 2020.
- "About Skillsoft". Skillsoft. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- "Skillsoft". Berkshire Partners. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- Suria, Asif (April 6, 2010). "Merger Arbitrage Mondays: April 5, 2010". Seeking Alpha. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
- Bersin, Josh (October 1, 2014). "Skillsoft Acquisition of SumTotal: Corporate Training Market Disruption?". Forbes. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- "Skillsoft Announces Acquisition of Vodeclic". BusinessWire. Berkshire Hathaway. May 7, 2015. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
- "Skillsoft Unveils New Virtual Coding Practice LabsDATAQUEST". www.dqindia.com. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
- "Skillsoft Opens New Coding Practice Lab". Lifehacker Australia. 2017-09-18. Retrieved 2017-10-13.
- "Skillsoft Enters Into Agreement with Lenders to Significantly Reduce Debt and Position Company for Long-Term Success". www.businesswire.com. 2020-06-15. Retrieved 2020-06-15.