What Happened to Aabaco Business

What Happened to Aabaco Business? Unraveling the Mystery Behind the Name Change

Have you ever searched for Aabaco Business online, only to find yourself navigating a maze of different company names, acquisitions, and rebrands? You're not alone. The journey of Aabaco Business is a classic example of the dynamic and often confusing world of corporate transitions in the tech industry. What started as a strategic move by Yahoo evolved through multiple ownership changes, leaving many small business owners wondering: What happened to Aabaco Business?

This article will cut through the confusion, tracing the evolution of Aabaco Business from its origins to its current iteration. We'll clarify its past, present, and what it means for businesses seeking online services today.

The Birth of Aabaco Business: A Yahoo Spin-Off Attempt

To understand what happened to Aabaco Business, we need to go back to 2015. At that time, Yahoo, a long-standing internet giant, was exploring ways to spin off its lucrative 15% stake in the Chinese e-commerce behemoth, Alibaba. The idea was to create a new, independent company that would hold these Alibaba shares, along with Yahoo's small business division.

This new entity was named Aabaco Holdings, Inc., and the small business services arm became Aabaco Small Business, LLC. Essentially, Aabaco Business was the direct successor and rebranded version of what was previously known as Yahoo Small Business. It aimed to offer a comprehensive suite of tools for entrepreneurs, including:

• Custom website building
• Web hosting services
• Domain name registration
• E-commerce solutions
• Business email plans

The goal was to provide a seamless transition for existing Yahoo Small Business customers, promising a "smooth and seamless transition". However, the ambitious plan for the tax-free spin-off of Alibaba shares did not fully materialize as initially envisioned, partly due to concerns raised by the IRS.

The Verizon Era: A Rebranding Carousel

The plot thickened in 2016 when Verizon Communications announced its agreement to acquire most of Yahoo's internet business. The deal closed in 2017, and with it, the Yahoo Small Business unit—which by then was operating under the Aabaco Business name—became part of the Verizon family.

Interestingly, shortly after the acquisition by Verizon, the company decided to revert the branding. In September 2017, the services were rebranded back to Yahoo Small Business, despite the legal entity remaining Aabaco Small Business, LLC. This move was reportedly a response to customer feedback, aiming to bring back a name that users recognized and trusted.

For a period, it seemed like Yahoo Small Business was back in full swing under Verizon's ownership, continuing to offer its core services like web hosting, domains, e-commerce, and listings management. Verizon even indicated new investments and a doubling of the team for the small business division, recognizing its long history and significant transaction volume.

Aabaco Business Today: Welcome to Turbify

So, where does Aabaco Business stand now? The journey didn't end with the return to the Yahoo Small Business name. The services that originated with Yahoo Small Business, passed through Aabaco Business, and then briefly returned to the Yahoo Small Business brand, have undergone yet another significant transformation.

Today, the services previously known as Aabaco Business (and later Yahoo Small Business) are now known as Turbify. Aabaco Small Business, LLC, the legal entity, is indeed part of the Verizon family of companies and provides the Turbify services and products.

Turbify continues the legacy of providing essential online tools for small businesses, including:

• E-commerce solutions
• Web hosting
• Domain name services
• Other tools designed to help businesses build, scale, and manage their online presence

This evolution reflects the continuous adaptation to the changing needs of small businesses in the digital landscape. While the name Aabaco Business might no longer be actively used for branding, its services have evolved and continue to support entrepreneurs under the Turbify umbrella.

Important Clarification: Not to Be Confused with Abaco Systems

It's crucial to address a common point of confusion: the name "Abaco." While we've been discussing Aabaco Business (with two 'A's), there is another prominent company called Abaco Systems (with one 'A').

Abaco Systems is a completely separate entity that specializes in mission-critical embedded computing systems, primarily for aerospace, defense, and specialized industrial markets. In 2021, Abaco Systems was acquired by AMETEK, Inc. for $1.35 billion.

Therefore, if you're researching "What happened to Aabaco Business," be mindful that "Abaco Systems" refers to a different company in a different industry.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Aabaco Business

The story of Aabaco Business is a testament to the dynamic nature of the tech industry. What began as an ambitious spin-off from Yahoo underwent multiple rebrands and ownership changes, eventually settling into its current form as Turbify under the Verizon umbrella. While the name "Aabaco Business" itself has faded from active use, the core services it represented—helping small businesses thrive online—have continued to evolve and adapt.

If you were a former Aabaco Business or Yahoo Small Business customer, your services have likely transitioned seamlessly to Turbify. For new businesses looking for comprehensive online solutions, Turbify stands as the modern iteration of these long-standing offerings.

What are your thoughts on these frequent rebrands in the tech world? Have you used Aabaco Business or its successor services? Share your experiences in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Aabaco Business still active?

No, the brand name "Aabaco Business" is no longer actively used. The services it offered have evolved and are now provided under the brand name Turbify.

What is Turbify?

Turbify is the current brand name for the suite of online business services that originated as Yahoo Small Business, then became Aabaco Business, and later reverted to Yahoo Small Business before its latest rebrand. It offers tools for e-commerce, web hosting, domains, and other online presence management for small businesses.

Who owns Yahoo Small Business now?

Yahoo Small Business, including the entity Aabaco Small Business, LLC, is part of the Verizon family of companies. Its services are now branded as Turbify.

Is Aabaco Systems the same as Aabaco Business?

No, Abaco Systems (with one 'A') is entirely different from Aabaco Business (with two 'A's). Abaco Systems is a provider of embedded computing systems for aerospace and defense, which was acquired by AMETEK in 2021. Aabaco Business was the small business services division spun off from Yahoo, now known as Turbify.