Italian app developer Bending Spoons has agreed to acquire AOL from Yahoo, in a deal reported to be worth around $1.4 billion, marking one of the most significant takeovers of an early internet pioneer in recent years.
Milan-based Bending Spoons, one of Europe’s fastest-growing technology companies, confirmed on 29 October 2025 that it had entered into a definitive agreement to purchase AOL, the once-dominant web portal and email provider, from Yahoo, which is controlled by Apollo Global Management. While the companies did not disclose financial terms, Reuters previously reported the transaction’s value at $1.4 billion.
To finance the acquisition, Bending Spoons announced it had secured a $2.9 billion debt package, which will not only fund the AOL purchase but also support research and development and provide capital for future mergers and acquisitions. The deal is expected to close by the end of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.
Founded in 2013, Bending Spoons has built a reputation as a leading developer of consumer apps, including Splice and Remini, and has expanded aggressively through acquisitions. The purchase of AOL represents its most ambitious move yet, adding a platform that still attracts over 30 million monthly active users worldwide.
AOL, once synonymous with the internet boom of the 1990s, has seen its influence wane but remains a recognizable brand with a loyal user base, particularly in email services. Bending Spoons’ leadership has described AOL as a “beloved, iconic business with unexpressed potential”, signaling plans to modernize its technology and reposition it for a new generation of users.
Industry analysts note that the acquisition underscores a broader trend of European tech firms expanding into legacy U.S. internet assets, seeking to revitalize established platforms with fresh investment and innovation. For Bending Spoons, the deal could accelerate its transformation from a mobile app developer into a global digital services powerhouse.
Sources: Forbes, Deadline, TechCrunch, Yahoo Finance, Economic Times.
