AOL

AOL, originally known as Quantum Computer Services, is an American internet services and media company with a history dating back to 1985. Founded by Steve Case and others in Vienna, Virginia, it adopted the America Online name in 1991 as its online service expanded beyond bulletin-board-style features. During the 1990s, AOL became a dominant gateway to the Internet for consumer users, offering dial-up access, email, instant messaging, and a web portal that aggregated content and services.

Over the years AOL expanded through notable acquisitions, including ICQ in 1998 and Netscape Communications in 1999. The company also grew its content footprint by acquiring The Huffington Post in 2005. In 2000, AOL merged with Time Warner to form AOL Time Warner, one of the era’s most prominent media mergers. The venture faced integration challenges and the companies separated again in 2009, returning AOL to independent status.

In 2015, AOL was acquired by Verizon Communications for about $4.4 billion, placing it within Verizon’s digital media portfolio. Verizon later reorganized its media assets under the Oath and then Verizon Media brands. In 2021, Verizon sold AOL along with Yahoo to Apollo Global Management for about $5 billion. The combined assets were integrated under Apollo’s ownership, with Yahoo serving as the broader brand umbrella for the portfolio. AOL continues to exist as a legacy online brand and portal within this corporate framework, contributing an array of digital media properties and services.