BENDING SPOONS LISTS ON NASDAQ WITH $18BN VALUATION

Bending Spoons, the Italian company that owns AOL, listed on Nasdaq today with an opening valuation exceeding $18 billion. The stock rose approximately 40 per cent by market close. Bending Spoons raised $1.68 billion through the initial public offering. The Milan-headquartered company has acquired multiple internet brands over the past decade.

Bending Spoons has assembled a portfolio of established digital platforms including Meetup, Eventbrite, Vimeo and WeTransfer. The 13-year-old company has applied elements of private equity strategy to its acquisition approach. The company distinguishes its model from conventional private equity by retaining ownership of acquired brands rather than pursuing immediate resales. Bending Spoons states it intends to apply technological improvements to the companies within its portfolio.

The IPO marks a significant milestone for Bending Spoons as it transitions from private to public ownership. The company's strategy centres on long-term ownership and operational transformation of internet properties. The listing valued the company at approximately $18.4 billion according to official IPO documentation.