Italian tech company Bending Spoons has announced an agreement to acquire AOL from Yahoo, a deal valued at around $1.4 billion. To support this significant purchase and further investments, Bending Spoons secured $2.8 billion in debt financing from a major banking consortium. The acquisition is expected to conclude by the end of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and closing conditions.
AOL, a once-iconic internet brand famous for its email service and the “You’ve Got Mail” alert, remains a strong business with roughly 8 million daily and 30 million monthly active users. Luca Ferrari, CEO and co-founder of Bending Spoons, described AOL as a “legendary and beloved” company with untapped potential. He emphasized plans for substantial investment to help AOL thrive, expressing confidence that Bending Spoons will be a long-term and committed steward to the brand and its loyal user base.
This purchase follows Bending Spoons’ recent acquisition of Vimeo and adds to its expanding portfolio, which includes companies like Evernote, Meetup, and Brightcove. Founded in 2013, Bending Spoons has built a reputation by acquiring and revitalizing established tech platforms. The company currently serves 300 million monthly users and projects $1.2 billion in revenue for 2025, making it Italy’s most valuable tech startup.
AOL’s ownership history includes Time Warner (2001-2009) and Verizon Communications (2015-2021) before being part of Yahoo’s portfolio, which was acquired by Apollo Global Management in 2021. This move allows Yahoo to refocus on its core businesses while ensuring AOL receives dedicated attention under new ownership.
The acquisition signals a new chapter for AOL, combining its rich legacy with Bending Spoons’ ambitious growth and revitalization strategy in the tech space. This deal marks a significant milestone in Bending Spoons’ journey to become a leading European technology powerhouse with a strong foothold in the U.S. market.
