What Companies Does Verizon Own: A Comprehensive Guide to Verizon’s Business Empire

Wondering about the breadth of Verizon Communications Inc.? You’re not alone. As one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world, Verizon boasts a diverse portfolio that extends far beyond wireless communication. Their expansive reach may surprise you, with ownership spanning various sectors including technology, media, and entertainment.

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In an effort to stay competitive and innovative in today’s fast-paced digital era, Verizon has made strategic acquisitions over the years that have significantly broadened their scope. From AOL and Yahoo! to Huffington Post and TechCrunch – these are all part of the Verizon family.

Now let’s dive further into this telecom giant’s diverse holdings. By understanding who falls under Verizon’s umbrella, you’ll gain greater insight into how they’ve positioned themselves as a global leader in communications technology.

An Overview of Verizon Communications

When you think about the giants in the telecommunications industry, your mind likely turns to Verizon Communications. You’re spot on with this instinct as Verizon is a leading global titan in delivering innovative communications and technology solutions.

Founded back in 1983 under the name Bell Atlantic Corporation, it wasn’t until 2000 that Bell Atlantic became what we now know as Verizon Communications. This change came about through a merger with GTE Corporation.

So, who does this telecom behemoth own? Let’s dive into some key subsidiaries:

  • Verizon Wireless: This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth stating clearly. Verizon Wireless is the largest wireless carrier in the United States serving millions of customers nationwide.
  • AOL: Acquired by Verizon in 2015 for $4.4 billion, AOL enhances Verizon’s digital media footprint by integrating its content and advertising platforms.
  • Yahoo!: Bought for $4.48 billion in 2017, Yahoo gave added strength to Verizon’s internet business after being combined with AOL assets under the umbrella of ‘Oath Inc.’, later rebranded as ‘Verizon Media’.
Year Acquisition Amount (in billions)
2015 AOL $4.4
2017 Yahoo! $4.48

These are just a few examples from an extensive list of companies owned by Verizon which also includes well-known names like TechCrunch and HuffPost among others.

You may be asking why does all this matter? Simply put, understanding who owns whom can help clarify market competition and trends while providing insights into where future innovations might surface.

Therefore, when you connect your call or browse online via Verizon’s services, remember there’s more than meets the eye behind their operations – an empire comprising various companies thriving across diverse sectors!

Delving Into Verizon’s Major Subsidiaries

Verizon Communications Inc., a telecommunications powerhouse, has an impressive portfolio of subsidiaries under its command. Let’s take a closer look at some of the notable companies.

First up on the list is Verizon Wireless, the largest wireless telecommunications provider in the United States. This subsidiary alone boasts over 120 million subscribers, offering services ranging from mobile telephony to broadband internet.

Next is AOL Inc., an iconic brand that Verizon acquired in 2015 for $4.4 billion. AOL was once known as America Online and had a massive impact on how we used the internet in its early days. Today, it runs numerous digital media websites and brands including HuffPost, TechCrunch, and Engadget.

Another significant part of Verizon’s digital media empire is Yahoo! Inc., purchased in 2017 for $4.48 billion after Yahoo’s various data breaches led to a reduced sales price. Yahoo provides email services, search engine capabilities, and news content among other offerings.

Let’s not forget about Oath Inc., renamed to Verizon Media Group in 2019. It serves as an umbrella company for all of Verizon’s digital content subdivisions which includes AOL and Yahoo!

Here are these major subsidiaries summarised:

Subsidiary Acquisition Year Price (Billion $)
Verizon Wireless N/A N/A
AOL Inc. 2015 4.4
Yahoo! Inc. 2017 4.48
Oath (Verizon Media Group) N/A N/A

In addition to these major players, there are other smaller entities that Verizon owns like Visible, a cell phone service startup; and BlueJeans Network, a cloud-based video conferencing service provider.

Remember this isn’t an exhaustive list – but it gives you an idea about how diverse Verizon’s holdings really are with businesses straddling across various sectors.

The Impact of Acquisitions on Verizon’s Portfolio

Verizon, a global leader in the telecommunications industry, has significantly expanded its portfolio through strategic acquisitions. But what’s the real impact of these purchases? Let’s dive deeper to understand.

Verizon Media Group, formerly known as Oath Inc., is one such acquisition that Verizon made in 2017. This merger combined AOL and Yahoo under one umbrella, equipping Verizon with powerful digital media platforms. However, the company recently sold this division to Apollo Global Management but retains a 10% stake.

Now let’s talk data. In terms of numbers, Straight Path Communications was added to Verizon’s holdings for a whopping $3.1 billion in 2018. This acquisition blessed the telecom giant with an extensive millimeter-wave spectrum that was crucial for their 5G network development.

Here is a quick snapshot of some key acquisitions:

Year Company Price (Billion)
2017 Yahoo & AOL $4.48
2018 Straight Path $3.1
2020 BlueJeans Network $0.5

Moving beyond traditional telecom services, Verizon also stepped into the video conferencing space through its purchase of BlueJeans Network in April 2020 — A strategic move during times when remote work and virtual meetings became the new normal due to Covid-19 pandemic.

Lastly, it’s worth noting Verizon’s venture into telematics – using technology for vehicle tracking and fleet management – via several targeted acquisitions like Hughes Telematics and Telogis.

The effects of these purchases have been multifaceted: expanding market reach, diversifying offerings, driving technological innovation – all contributing towards fortifying Verizon‘s position within an increasingly competitive landscape.

Yahoo and AOL: Bolder Moves by Verizon

If you’ve been tracking the communications industry, you’ll know that Verizon’s portfolio has expanded considerably in recent years. One of their most noteworthy acquisitions involved tech giants Yahoo and AOL.

In 2015, Verizon took a bold step towards diversifying its business. It purchased AOL for an impressive $4.4 billion, marking its entrance into the digital advertising market. The acquisition included popular media outlets like HuffPost and TechCrunch, which at that time were under AOL’s umbrella.

But they didn’t stop there. Just a year later, in 2016, Verizon went on to acquire Yahoo’s operating business for around $4.83 billion in cash. This purchase added another layer to their growing media and online advertising segment.

These two major acquisitions formed what is now known as Verizon Media Group. At the time of the deals, here’s how things stacked up:

Acquisition Year Amount
AOL 2015 $4.4B
Yahoo 2016 $4.83B

Indeed, these acquisitions were strategic moves designed to enhance Verizon’s foothold in digital content and advertising – sectors previously untouched by the telecom giant.

However, it’s important to note that earlier this year, Verizon sold both AOL and Yahoo to private equity firm Apollo Global Management for about $5 billion.

  • Despite selling them off recently,
  • The impact of owning these companies for several years,
  • And leveraging them to enter new markets,

Can’t be understated when discussing the expansions of Verizon’s empire during this period.

So yes! While browsing through your favorite website or clicking on a digital ad powered by these platforms – remember it was likely all part of a grand strategy put forth by one of America’s biggest communications companies – Verizon.

Understanding the Role of Straight Path Communications in Verizon’s Growth

Diving into the portfolio of companies owned by Verizon, one name that stands out is Straight Path Communications. This acquisition played a pivotal role in the telecom giant’s growth strategy.

Straight Path Communications was purchased by Verizon back in 2017. The deal had a high price tag, costing Verizon a whopping $3.1 billion. But why would they shell out so much money? Well, it’s all about the future – specifically, 5G technology.

Here’s how Straight Path fits into that picture:

  • Straight Path held an extensive portfolio of 39 GHz and 28 GHz millimeter wave spectrum.
  • These spectrums are crucial for implementing high-speed wireless communication – which is what 5G is all about.
  • By acquiring Straight Path, Verizon got direct access to these highly valuable assets.
Year Acquisition Cost
2017 Straight Path Communications $3.1 billion

Now you’re probably wondering: “What does this mean for me?” Simply put, it means faster and more reliable internet services from Verizon. With the assets acquired through Straight Path, they’re able to roll out their 5G network across the US at a rapid pace.

And don’t think they’ve stopped there! Since acquiring Straight Path Communications, Verizon has continued to make strategic moves to bolster its position as a leader in the rapidly evolving world of telecommunications.

In short: The acquisition of Straight Path was not just an investment in technology—it was an investment in future-proofing their business and ensuring they continue to deliver top-notch services for customers like you. So next time you’re streaming your favorite show without any buffering or downloading large files at lightning speeds on your Verizon connection—remember—you have companies like Straight Path to thank!

A Closer Look at Complex Media, Now Under the Wing of Verizon

When you’re exploring the vast portfolio of Verizon, it’s hard to overlook one notable acquisition: Complex Media. Acquired back in 2016, this powerhouse media platform is now under the control of Verizon. You might know Complex for its pop culture news, original reporting, and engaging video content. But there’s more to this story than just a successful purchase.

Take a look at how things unfolded. Back in April 2016, Verizon and Hearst Communications jointly acquired Complex. The deal was an astute move by Verizon as it sought to expand its reach among millennials.

Here are some quick facts about Complex Media:

  • Founded in: 2002
  • Co-founded by: Fashion designer Marc Ecko
  • Genre: Pop Culture News; Music; Style; Food

Let’s dive into more details on these points:

Founded in 2002, Complex quickly gained popularity for its unique approach to youth culture. It was co-founded by fashion designer Marc Ecko who had his fingers firmly on the pulse of millennial trends.

The genre? Well, that’s where things get interesting! From covering pop culture news and music reviews to featuring style insights and food adventures – Complex has truly mastered the art of diverse storytelling.

Now let’s talk numbers – since its acquisition by Verizon, there’s been significant growth in viewership. As per data from Nielsen (a global measurement company), between July 2017 and July 2018 alone, Complex saw an average monthly increase of around 20% across all their platforms!

Year Average Monthly Increase
Jul’17 – Jul’18 Around 20%

So what does this mean for you? If you’re a fan of cutting-edge content that’s rooted in current trends and pop culture phenomena – chances are you’re already consuming content brought to you by a company owned by none other than Verizon through their subsidiary – Complex Media.

Examining Other Noteworthy Companies Owned by Verizon

Stepping away from the telecom sector, you’ll find that Verizon has a diverse portfolio of owned companies. They’ve strategically acquired businesses in various industries to complement their core operations and support their growth.

Let’s delve into some of these key acquisitions. To start with, there’s Yahoo! A household name in the digital world, Yahoo offers a myriad of services including email, news, search engine and so much more. Acquired for $4.48 billion in 2017, it now falls under Verizon’s media group umbrella along with AOL.

Another significant acquisition is HuffPost, formerly known as The Huffington Post. It’s one of the most popular news and blog sites globally. Bought for $315 million in 2011, HuffPost has helped expand Verizon’s presence in the online media space.

Here are other notable companies owned by Verizon:

  • TechCrunch: An influential tech news site offering analysis on emerging technology trends.
  • MapQuest: A web mapping service providing directions and maps to users.
  • Visible: A budget-friendly cell phone service operating entirely through an app.
Company Acquisition Year Cost (in billions)
Yahoo! 2017 4.48
HuffPost 2011 0.315

These purchases demonstrate how Verizon has diversified its business model over time. They’ve not only focused on enhancing their telecommunications offerings but also ventured into digital content creation and distribution platforms to reach broader audiences.

It’s clear that under its belt, Verizon holds an assortment of brands contributing to its dominance as a global giant across multiple sectors. Each acquisition plays a strategic role in advancing Verizon’s market position while simultaneously enriching your consumer experience with diverse products and services from one parent company – Verizon.

How These Owned Companies Contribute to Verizon’s Revenue

Verizon Communications Inc. is a telecommunications giant, and it didn’t get there alone. It’s the parent company of several subsidiaries that significantly contribute to its overall revenue.

Let’s start with Verizon Wireless, the largest wireless carrier in the United States. With over 120 million subscribers, it fuels a significant portion of Verizon’s income through various service plans, data packages, and device sales.

Then there’s AOL and Yahoo!, both acquired by Verizon and later combined into a single entity known as Oath (now called Verizon Media). From digital advertising to subscription services, these brands provide diverse streams of revenue for their parent company.

Here is a simple table that represents the contributions:

Company Contribution
Verizon Wireless Service plans, Data packages & Device Sales
AOL & Yahoo! (Verizon Media) Digital Advertising & Subscription Services

Also worth mentioning are companies like Fleetmatics and Telogis, which were absorbed into what we now know as Verizon Connect. This subsidiary offers fleet management solutions that not only generate income but also enhance Verizon’s offerings in the Internet of Things sector.

Finally, let’s not forget about other entities under the umbrella such as HuffPost, previously part of AOL but still contributing via online news content and advertising revenues; or even smaller acquisitions like social media site Tumblr.

In essence, each subsidiary has its own role in boosting Verizon’s financial performance. Their collective contributions help maintain steady growth trends for one of America’s most prominent telecom providers. So next time you’re using your Verizon device or browsing through Yahoo!, remember – you’re part of a much larger network that spans across multiple companies beneath the towering presence of Verizon Communications Inc.

Future Outlook: Potential Acquisitions for Verizon

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Verizon isn’t moving away from its expansionist strategy. Your interest in the company’s future acquisitions might be piqued if you’re an investor or simply a curious observer of corporate maneuvers.

Verizon’s acquisition targets aren’t announced publicly until deals are nearing completion. However, we can make educated guesses based on their past and current business strategies. The company has shown strong interest in technology and communication firms, as well as content providers to bolster their media division.

You may wonder how they choose prospective businesses for acquisition. Typically, Verizon looks for companies with:

  • Strong potential for growth
  • Synergies with existing business lines
  • Ability to enhance their customer offerings

While exact details of who they’ll acquire next remain unknown, rest assured that any future acquisitions will likely align with these criteria.

Furthermore, there’s been speculation around sectors where Verizon may focus its attention in the coming years:

  1. Telecommunications Infrastructure: Continued investment is expected here to maintain competitive edge against rivals like AT&T.
  2. Cybersecurity: As digital threats increase globally, this sector could be a strategic move.
  3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): These technologies are integral parts of modern communication networks.
  4. Content Creation and Streaming Services: With the success of platforms such as Disney+ and Netflix, further expansion in this area seems plausible.

Whatever moves Verizon makes next, you can be sure it’ll be aimed at strengthening their market position while providing value to shareholders and customers alike. Keep your eyes peeled on news related to these sectors for possible clues about what might come next!