<< A research report from Benchmark Capital says that Google may have purchased Groupon over the weekend for $2.5 billion, *though the deal could not be confirmed*. >> |
<< Google Inc.'s multibillion-dollar bid to acquire local deals site Groupon Inc. ended Friday as the two sides broke off talks, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Negotiations between the two companies heated up over the past week but Groupon's board, many of whom are investors, was divided on whether to accept Google's offer.
The company continued to consider remaining independent and pursuing an IPO in the future, people familiar with the matter have said.
ChicagoBreakingBusiness.com reported earlier that the deal was off. A Groupon spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. A Google spokesman declined to comment.
AllThingsD previously reported that Google offered $5.3 billion for Groupon, with a further $700 million to be based on Groupon's ability to hit certain performance milestones. >>
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703989004575653624184245284.html?mod=googlenews_wsj |
