Blackboard’s deals with the 4 publishers are largely the same.  Each publisher will be providing content to Blackboard so it can be integrated into Blackboard Learn. This will enable students at educational institutions to easily sign on  through Blackboard and access the digital learning solutions and content provided by each publisher.

“Blackboard has become the platform of choice for the management of teaching and learning in thousands of schools and universities, and our collaboration will allow us to fully leverage the capabilities of Blackboard Learn to deliver all of our digital content and learning systems to our instructors and students in ways that are simple and powerful,” said Brian Napack, President of Macmillan.

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Founded in 1997, Blackboard is a global leader in learning solutions that improve the experience of students and learners around the world. Blackboard’s technologies allow thousands of colleges, public and private schools, as well as corporate and government organizations to extend teaching and learning online, facilitate campus commerce and security, and communicate more effectively with their communities.

Among Blackboard’s many business partners is Barnes & Noble. Blackboard provides the server software that integrates B&N’s NookStudy app with Blackboard’s other services.  This integration increases the ability of students and teachers to work together effectively and boost the learning potential.

The deal was put together by Providence Equity Partners, and the all-cash transaction is worth approximately $1.6 billion. Blackboard’s stockholders will receive $45 per share, which is about $.90 more than the current trading price.

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