Encyclopaedia Britannica Seeking $1 Billion Valuation in IPO

  • Publisher and education tech firm may launch IPO soon as June
  • Chicago-based firm’s units include Merriam-Webster, Melingo AI

The company is working with advisers and may launch the offering as soon as June.

Photographer: Mario Tama/Getty Images

Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., the education technology company and publisher of books including the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is seeking a valuation of about $1 billion its initial public offering, according to people with knowledge of the matter.

The Chicago-based company known for its historic namesake encyclopedia is working with advisers and may launch the offering as soon as June, the people said. Britannica announced in January it had filed confidentially for an IPO, according to a press release.