Youdao Announces Plan to Dispose of its Academic AST Business

Youdao, Inc. (DAO), a leading intelligent learning company in China, announced its plan to dispose of its after-school tutoring services for academic subjects included in China’s compulsory education system (the “Academic AST Business”), as part of its efforts to fully comply with applicable PRC regulatory requirements.

Recommended AI News: Ceres Imaging Secures $23 Million in Series C Funding to Fuel Development of AI in Agriculture

As the Company previously announced, the Opinions on Further Alleviating the Burden of Homework and After-School Tutoring for Students in Compulsory Education published in July by the PRC central government (the “Central Government Opinions”) and related measures subsequently published by the local government in Beijing require that existing Academic AST providers be re-registered as non-profit organizations. To implement the Central Government Opinions, on September 3, 2021 the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Civil Affairs and State Administration for Market Regulation of the PRC jointly published the Notice on Re-registration of Academic AST Institutions as Non-Profit Organizations, which requires, among other things, that all Academic AST providers be re-registered as non-profit organizations by the end of 2021.

Recommended AI News: Microland Partners With Balbix to Deliver Managed Cybersecurity Posture Services

To comply with such regulatory requirements, on September 30, 2021, Youdao submitted an application to the competent local government for approval of the proposed disposal of its Academic AST Business to a buyer with which Youdao is in discussions. The total consideration for the transaction will be determined after arm’s length negotiations between Youdao and the buyer, subject to definitive agreements to be entered into by the relevant parties. The proposed transaction involves the disposal of Youdao’s Academic AST Business, including the transfer of the related employees and assets and liabilities (including existing service contracts with enrolled students), to the buyer.  Youdao currently expects the transaction to be completed by the end of 2021, subject to execution of the definitive agreements and regulatory approval. There can be no assurance regarding the ultimate timing of the proposed transaction or that the transaction will be completed.

In the second quarter of 2021, revenues from Youdao’s Academic AST Business accounted for approximately 24% of its total revenues.

Youdao is committed to fully complying with applicable PRC laws and regulations, including all regulations and rules adopted by the central and local governments of China which are designed to implement the requirements of the Central Government Opinions. Youdao will continue to work constructively with the government authorities in connection with the proposed disposal of the Academic AST Business and to continue developing and improving its innovative products and technologies for its users.

Recommended AI News: Introhive and BoardEx Announce Collaborative Partnership to Support Shared Clients

[To share your insights with us, please write to sghosh@martechseries.com ]