Workflow
Bending Spoons CEO Luca Ferrari on AOL acquisition: The company 'holds a lot of promise'
FerrariFerrari(US:RACE) Youtubeยท2025-10-31 11:45

Core Viewpoint - Bending Spoons has acquired AOL, viewing it as a digital asset with untapped potential that can be transformed through a hands-on approach to improve technology and user experience [1][3][6]. Company Strategy - Bending Spoons focuses on acquiring digital technology businesses and enhancing them through a combination of private equity and technology company strategies, aiming for long-term operational improvements rather than short-term profits [4][18]. - The company has a history of acquiring and holding businesses, having never sold any of the over 50 companies it has acquired since its inception [18]. AOL's Current Status - AOL remains a significant player in the digital space, with approximately 8 million daily users and 30 million monthly users across its email client and web portal, ranking as a top five email product in the Western world [6][7]. - Despite being perceived as a legacy product, AOL has a loyal customer base, and the company believes there is room for improvement in both user retention and attraction of new users [12][13]. Planned Improvements - Bending Spoons plans to enhance AOL's technology and user experience, particularly by leveraging AI to improve the web portal's recommendation quality, which is expected to increase user engagement and revenue [8][10]. - The company aims to close the gap between AOL's email client and best-in-class products, indicating a commitment to significant improvements over the next year [9][10]. Acquisition Strategy - The acquisition of AOL aligns with Bending Spoons' broader strategy of using proprietary technologies and expertise to optimize digital businesses, applying a consistent toolkit while tailoring approaches to each company's unique strengths and weaknesses [15][16]. - The company has a track record of making operational improvements, which may include enhancing user interfaces, overhauling technological infrastructure, and optimizing monetization strategies [17].