Walmart has agreed to buy TV maker Vizio , the companies announced Tuesday, as the largest U.S. retailer grows its high-profit ad business. Walmart will acquire Vizio for $2.3 billion, or $11.50 per share, in cash. But in buying the company, Walmart touted the potential to boost its ad business through Vizio's SmartCast Operating System, which allows users to stream free ad-supported content on their TVs. As it pushes for higher profits, the retail titan has tried to expand its media business Walmart Connect, which comes with bigger profit margins than selling groceries or clothing. In a news release, Walmart said Vizio's SmartCast system has 18 million active accounts.

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Persons: Seth Dallaire Organizations: Walmart, Vizio, Walmart Connect, Walmart U.S, CNBC PRO Locations: Secaucus New Jersey, U.S