AOL Europe has acquired the video distribution network goviral. goviral distribute branded video content across the Internet for some of the world’s largest and most esteemed brands, media agencies, creative agencies, and content producers. The transaction will further strengthen AOL’s video offerings in Europe and ultimately North America and will deliver further scale, placing it in pole position to expand its reach internationally, engage new highly targeted consumer audiences and serve its advertising partners. AOL Inc. has completed the purchase of goviral A/S (“goviral”) for $74.1 million. In addition, $22.6 million of consideration will be deferred and paid over two years following completion. goviral is set to join other strategic acquisitions made by AOL in 2010 including StudioNow, 5min Media, TechCrunch, Thing Labs, Pictela and most recently, about.me.

goviral will retain its offices in the UK, Germany, France, Denmark, Sweden and Spain - and further global expansion is planned. goviral’s current video content distribution network includes more than 18,000 publishers1 across 24 verticals, allowing its clients to reach well over 350 million2 global Internet users and generate more than 60 million video views monthly.3 Specialising in the distribution of viewer-activated videos it has delivered unique campaigns for some of the world’s most progressive and well known brands including: Nike, LG, Unilever, Paramount, Nokia, Hyundai/Kia, Audi, Nintendo and Gucci.

AOL UK is growing its content using more than 100 journalists and celebrity contributors. It delivers rich editorial, branded experiences and original video content, built around audiences, and has seen its UK UVs rise by more than 6%4 during the final quarter of 2010. As a part of AOL Europe, goviral will help distribute both branded video content and premium digital content from across the entire AOL network of content sites from MyDaily and Eleven to AOL Music and Fanhouse UK.

In the second half of 2010 alone, AOL has closed deals with more than 20 premium content partners and digital studios to deliver a mix of high quality programming to AOL’s audiences around the world. Within that mix, AOL has announced several new video franchises not seen anywhere else on the Web, including partnerships with Endemol, Vuguru, Ben Silverman’s Electus, Next New Networks, ChannelFlip, Telepictures Productions and the Ellen DeGeneres Show Web site, Dannii Minogue, Heidi Klum and MarloThomas.com.

Finally, “You’ve Got…” the video series that debuted with the new AOL.com launch, generated nearly 8 million views in its first month, and featured a diverse guest list including Kelly Ripa, Barack Obama, Matt Damon and the Marines in Afghanistan. AOL Video is currently ranked #4 in video audience with 48.6M viewers. Overall, video views on the new AOL.com rose more than 3X in its first month.