NIIT Learning Systems Limited has successfully completed a major strategic acquisition in the US market, with its wholly owned subsidiary NIIT (USA), Inc. acquiring 100% equity stake in SweetRush, Inc. The Board of Directors approved this investment on January 9, 2026, marking a significant expansion of the company's global learning services portfolio.

Acquisition Overview

The transaction details highlight the strategic nature of this acquisition:

About SweetRush Inc.

SweetRush, founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Francisco, USA, is a recognized leader in strategic training interventions and high-end custom learning solutions. The company serves Fortune 1000 enterprises and professional associations, specializing in AI-enabled, human-centered learning experience design.

The company's financial performance over the past three years demonstrates consistent revenue generation:

SweetRush also operates through a wholly owned subsidiary, Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, located in Costa Rica.

Strategic Benefits and Synergies

The acquisition supports NIIT Learning Systems' stated growth strategy through multiple strategic advantages. The transaction brings together SweetRush's custom, AI-enabled learning experience design capabilities with NIIT's global managed learning scale and comprehensive platform serving Global 1000 enterprises.

Key strategic benefits include:

• Expanded Services Portfolio: Integration of strategic learning interventions, certification solutions, and talent solutions to drive wallet share expansion across enterprise, association, and not-for-profit client segments
• Enhanced Client Relationships: Opportunity to convert project-based relationships into longer-duration, annuity-like managed learning engagements by extending NIIT's broader Managed Learning Services platform to SweetRush's client base
• Geographic Expansion: Strengthened presence in the US corporate learning market
• Capability Enhancement: Addition of award-winning strategic learning interventions and certification-oriented content development expertise

Transaction Structure

The acquisition was structured as a cash transaction with performance-based earnouts. The aggregate purchase price of up to $26 million includes earnout amounts payable over the next five years based on SweetRush's performance, with payments subject to customary adjustments as per the terms of definitive agreements.

The transaction does not fall within related party transactions, and no promoter or group companies have any interest in the acquired entity. Additionally, no governmental or regulatory approvals were required for completing this acquisition.

Industry Impact

This acquisition positions NIIT Learning Systems to capitalize on the growing demand for corporate learning and development solutions. The combination creates a comprehensive offering that spans from strategic learning interventions to managed learning services, enabling clients to optimize their learning investments with measurable outcomes across diverse industry segments.

NIIT Learning Systems announced on December 10, 2025, that its managed training services division (NIIT MTS) has earned 64 Brandon Hall Technology and Education Technology Excellence Awards in partnership with major global clients. The HCM Excellence in Technology and Education Technology Awards are recognized as among the most rigorous and prestigious honors in innovation across Human Capital Management and learning technologies.

Award Distribution and Client Partnerships

NIIT MTS achieved remarkable success across all award categories, demonstrating its leadership in managed learning services:

The awards were earned in partnership with prominent clients including MetLife, Century21 Heritage Group, The Writing Revolution, and Unilever. Additionally, the company's proprietary AI solutions received recognition, including NVerse, Spotter, NCAP, and XpertIX platforms.

Technology Innovation and AI Solutions

The recognition highlights NIIT MTS's strategic use of artificial intelligence as an enabler for transforming learning design, delivery, and scalability. According to DJ Chadha, Chief Customer Officer at NIIT MTS, the company's AI-powered coaching and activity generation capabilities enable proven methodologies to scale quickly and widely across global enterprises.

Key technological achievements recognized include:

• AI-powered coaching systems
• Advanced activity generation tools
• Reduced development cycle times
• Simplified expert collaboration platforms
• Enhanced frontline capabilities and operational readiness

Industry Recognition and Evaluation Process

The Excellence in Technology and Education Technology Awards celebrate forward-thinking innovations shaping the future of learning, talent, and human capital management. Rachel Cooke, Chief Operating Officer of Brandon Hall Group, noted that this year's winners exemplify how technology can unlock new possibilities by improving performance, enabling smarter decision-making, personalizing learning at scale, and transforming organizational support systems.

The award entries underwent a rigorous, multi-layered evaluation process reviewed by an international panel of independent experts with deep experience in:

• Learning sciences and instructional design
• HR technology and leadership development
• Educational research and organizational development
• Workforce transformation initiatives

Company Performance Metrics

NIIT MTS operates as a trusted partner for leading companies across 32 countries, maintaining strong client relationships since its establishment in 1981:

Award Ceremony and Future Recognition

All award winners will be honored at Brandon Hall Group's HCM Excellence Conference, scheduled for February 9-12, 2026, at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida. The recognition reflects the shared commitment between NIIT MTS and its customers to deliver learning solutions that drive measurable business performance and workforce transformation outcomes.