Mikkel Christensen
Amazon’s reach extends far beyond online shopping, with the company quietly building a portfolio of well-known brands across entertainment, retail and technology.
Amazon’s reach extends far beyond online shopping, with the company quietly building a portfolio of well-known brands across entertainment, retail and technology.
While some subsidiaries are clearly tied to the company, others operate with little visible connection, making Amazon’s influence less obvious to everyday users.
Expanding empire
Amazon is one of only a handful of companies valued above $2 trillion, and its growth has been fueled in part by major acquisitions across multiple industries.
According to BGR, some brands openly identify as part of Amazon, while others continue to operate under their original names despite being fully owned by the tech giant.
This strategy allows Amazon to expand into new sectors while maintaining established brand identities.
Streaming and data
One of the most recognizable acquisitions is Twitch, the livestreaming platform Amazon bought in 2014 for $970 million.
Since then, Twitch has grown significantly, with millions of concurrent viewers and deep integration with Amazon Prime benefits.
Another early acquisition was IMDb, which Amazon purchased in 1998. The database remains a key resource for film and television information and is integrated into Prime Video features.
Retail and film
Amazon’s reach also extends into physical retail. Whole Foods Market, acquired in 2017 for $13.7 billion, remains the company’s largest purchase.
The supermarket chain operates largely under its own brand but offers perks for Amazon Prime members, including discounts and delivery options.
In entertainment, Amazon acquired Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 2022 for $8.5 billion, gaining access to a vast catalog of films and franchises.
Smart home reach
Amazon has also expanded into home technology through Ring, a company known for its video doorbells and security systems.
BGR reports that Amazon acquired Ring in 2018, adding to its growing smart home ecosystem.
However, the brand has also faced scrutiny over privacy concerns and its relationship with law enforcement.
Together, these companies highlight how Amazon’s influence spans far beyond its core retail business, shaping industries from streaming to groceries to home security.
Sources: BGR
