Italian Software Firm Bending Spoons Plans Public Listing at $19 Billion Valuation

Bending Spoons, an Italian company that acquires aging internet brands, will go public this week at a potential value of $19 billion. The company owns AOL and other older internet properties. It has built its portfolio by purchasing established but declining digital services.

Spoons focuses on buying and operating internet companies that have passed their peak growth phase. The firm is based in Italy and has expanded through acquisitions rather than internal product development. The planned public offering marks the first time investors outside private markets will be able to purchase shares in the company.