Google May Acquire New Company
In this period of financial hardship for most Americans, everyone is looking for ways to save a dime. Groupon is an innovative company that sprang up in 2008 with an energetic staff and aggressive marketing strategy. It is currently earning approximately $50 million per month. The company uses a novel approach by contacting businesses and selling them on ways to profit through bringing in customers at a time when customers are reluctant to spend money. Groupon advertises coupons over the internet ranging from 50 – 90% discounts on not only products, but services such as pedicures, meal vouchers, spa treatments, etc. Recipients are free to email these coupons to friends who, in turn, are allowed to email them and print them out for use at the establishment. It is almost like a coupon pyramid game with no losers. Google has long wanted to get into the group buying service and this is their chance with over 50% of computer users stating they prefer to conduct business online. Several new wrinkles have been added such as being able to store Groupons on your cell phone and giving them as gifts to friends. Groupon also allows users to set up a profile of their buying habits, likes, dislikes, sports, hobbies, etc. so that they can more effectively target their audience. Although the sale is not a done deal, speculation is that Google will purchase Groupon for $2.5 million - $6 million and, at either price, it will be a bargain. Find out more about the potential deal at the listed websites.
http://venturebeat.com/2010/11/29/google-acquires-groupon-for-2-5b/
http://www.groupon.com/learn