Italian tech giant Bending Spoons — the company behind Evernote and Remini — has acquired AOL for $1.5 billion.
AOL Enters a New Chapter
AOL, once the face of the early internet, is starting a new journey. The company behind the famous “You’ve Got Mail” phrase has a new owner — Bending Spoons. The $1.5 billion deal connects one of the oldest online brands with a rising tech star. This change could give AOL a much-needed comeback and a fresh identity.
Who Is Bending Spoons?
Bending Spoons started in 2013 in Milan, Italy. It builds and manages apps used by millions of people every day. Some of its best-known apps include Remini, Evernote, Splice, and Meetup.
The company’s goal is simple. It buys digital products, improves them, and keeps them for the long term. This plan has helped it grow fast and become one of Europe’s top tech firms. Today, Bending Spoons is worth more than $2.5 billion and continues to expand.
Inside the AOL Deal
In October 2025, Bending Spoons said it would buy AOL from Apollo Global Management, which owns Yahoo. The price is between $1.4 and $1.5 billion, and the company will use $2.8 billion in loans to fund the deal.
Many people think AOL disappeared years ago. In reality, it still has 8 million daily users and 30 million monthly users through its email and web portal. For Apollo, selling AOL lets it focus on Yahoo’s main business. For Bending Spoons, it opens the door to the U.S. market.
Why Bending Spoons Bought AOL
Bending Spoons believes AOL still has value. It’s a trusted brand with loyal users and working systems. The Italian company wants to refresh it with modern design and better technology.
It has done this before. Apps like Evernote and Remini were improved after joining Bending Spoons. The company made them faster, simpler, and more enjoyable to use. It plans to do the same for AOL — keeping its legacy while making it ready for today’s internet.
What This Means for AOL Users
For AOL users, this could bring real change. Bending Spoons often upgrades the products it buys. Users might see faster email loading, new security tools, and smarter features.
Still, some are worried. After buying Evernote and Meetup, the company reduced staff to cut costs. It’s unclear if AOL will face the same. Even so, CEO Luca Ferrari said the goal is to “serve AOL’s loyal users for many years.” That message gives hope for a stable transition.
A European Tech Star Expands Globally
This deal also shows how European tech firms are gaining global power. Bending Spoons is proving that innovation isn’t limited to Silicon Valley. It’s bringing a European approach to the U.S. digital world.
Reports say the company may go public soon. Owning a big American name like AOL makes that goal easier. For Italy, it’s a proud moment — showing that a local company can compete on a world stage.
What’s Next for AOL and Bending Spoons
The next steps will take time. AOL’s systems are old and need upgrades. Its products must also attract younger users. However, Bending Spoons has shown it can handle big changes well.
If it balances modern ideas with AOL’s history, the result could be a strong comeback. This deal proves that even old internet icons can return to life. With smart planning and innovation, AOL might soon be part of the modern web again.
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