Verizon, a provider of Internet, TV and phone services, announced that it is to acquire AOL for an estimated total value of approximately $4.4 billion. A verizon statement said that the acquisition ‘further drives its LTE wireless video and OTT (over-the-top video) strategy and will tie in with the company’s IoT (Internet of Things) platforms.
AOL’s key assets include its AOL One ad tech platform (of which the video component was formerly known as Adap.tv), its subscription business; its premium portfolio of global content brands, including The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, Engadget, MAKERS and AOL.com, as well as its millennial-focused OTT, Emmy-nominated original video content.
Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO, said: “Verizon’s vision is to provide customers with a premium digital experience based on a global multiscreen network platform. This acquisition supports our strategy to provide a cross-screen connection for consumers, creators and advertisers to deliver that premium customer experience.”
He added, “AOL has once again become a digital trailblazer, and we are excited at the prospect of charting a new course together in the digitally connected world. At Verizon, we’ve been strategically investing in emerging technology, including Verizon Digital Media Services and OTT, that taps into the market shift to digital content and advertising. AOL’s advertising model aligns with this approach, and the advertising platform provides a key tool for us to develop future revenue streams.”
Tim Armstrong, AOL chairman and CEO, will continue to lead AOL operations after closing.
Armstrong said, “Verizon is a leader in mobile and OTT connected platforms, and the combination of Verizon and AOL creates a unique and scaled mobile and OTT media platform for creators, consumers and advertisers. The visions of Verizon and AOL are shared; the companies have existing successful partnerships, and we are excited to work with the team at Verizon to create the next generation of media through mobile and video.”
The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to close this summer.
