Google's $1bn AOL stake turns to dust

Google told the Securities and Exchange Commission yesterday that its investment in AOL is likely to be worth less than it paid for it in 2005. The search and ad giant bought a five per cent stake in AOL for $1bn in December 2005. Alongside the investment, Google provided search functions on AOL sites and a white label version …

[Xander]

Stake

You go round staking things, expect them to turn to dust...

Now where's my Buffy logo?

[Britt Johnston]

business opportunity for AOL?

I have long felt that there is a market for a provider to play the same role as corporate IT depts, to support users who don't understand or care about their OS and its environment. AOL looked the best candidate, as they have customers who are used to being shepherded.

Since the gold rush didn't happen, I guess I was wrong. What point did I overlook?

[Graham Dawson]

@Britt Johnston

I must admit, I was laughing for several minutes after I read that...

[David Perry]

AOL moves to SaaS provider

"AOL is now offering the chance to deliver your entire desktop to your computer. WIth updates and support provided by your AOL broadband line..."

You mean like that Britt? Perhaps we should go for a joint business dev role there lol

[Joe]

More idiocy

So, Google can't decide what the value of AOL is, but they spent a F&*%ing Billion on on a measly 5% stake less than 3 years ago ?

Damn, wish my boss would let me get away with those kind of M and A reports !

Bill G., Because he always knew the value of a company he put out of business !

[Britt Johnston]

@deliver your entire desktop

Yep, that about nails the marketing side. For my part I would outsource the delivery to Eastern Europe.

[James Monnett]

AOL

Maybe Microsoft should buy them instead of Yahoo and resurrect AOL's own search and other services......................

[Anonymous Coward]

@Britt Johnston

"Since the gold rush didn't happen, I guess I was wrong. What point did I overlook?"

Uh - the stupidity of the managers at AOL?

Billy cause even he was bright enough to not buy AOL