Dive Brief: 

• Verizon Communications—the largest wireless carrier in the U.S.—announced a deal to buy AOL for an estimated value of $4.4 billion. 
• With the deal, Verizon is also acquiring all of AOL's digital content, its online advertising platforms, and The Huffington Post—which AOL acquired in 2011. 
• The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close this summer.

Dive Insight: 

The implications of a deal between the two highly influential corporations could be a game changer for the industry. AOL's ad tech software combined with Verizon's efforts to track users across mobile and desktop devices with its cookie-alternative PrecisionID could be an attractive pair for advertisers.