Wall Street Breakfast AOL back in the merger game
Oct 2, 2025
Italy's Bending Spoons is set to acquire AOL from Apollo for $1.4B, marking a strategic move in the tech landscape. Major music labels are closing in on AI licensing deals, reshaping how songs are monetized. Berkshire Hathaway makes waves by purchasing Occidental's chemical unit for $9.7B. On the energy front, Caterpillar is emerging as a key player in the AI-driven power demand with their innovative technologies. Plus, a list of 12 potential tech takeover targets is highlighted, pointing to the evolving acquisition landscape in the industry.
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Bending Spoons Targets AOL
- Italy's Bending Spoons is pursuing AOL from Apollo for roughly $1.4B to expand its ad reach and user base.
- AOL has seen a 20% year-over-year traffic rise among younger users after new verticals boosted engagement.
Music Labels Seek AI Licensing Model
- Major labels Warner Music and Universal are nearing licensing deals for AI use and model training that could set industry precedent.
- Labels push for micropayments each time a song is used by AI, mirroring streaming economics.
Berkshire Buys Occidental Chemical Arm
- Berkshire Hathaway paid $9.7B in cash to buy Occidental's chemical unit, expanding Buffett's non-insurance holdings.
- Occidental will use proceeds to reduce debt and improve its balance sheet and interest costs.