The Huffington Post will remain at the same web address. AOL said the new group will have a combined base of 117 million users a month in the US, and 270 million worldwide. In a joint statement, Ms Huffington, an economics graduate of Cambridge University, said: "This is truly a merger of visions and a perfect fit for us. "The Huffington Post will continue on the same path we have been on for the last six years, though now at light speed, by combining with AOL." Mr Armstrong, a former Google executive, wants to pull in internet surfers to AOL's websites in a bid to boost online advertising sales. He said: "The acquisition of The Huffington Post will create a next-generation American media company with global reach that combines content, community, and social experiences for consumers." The board of directors and shareholders of The Huffington Post have approved the deal, but it is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close in late March to early April.