Google explains why it acquired Zagat
So why did Google acquire Zagat, the review company that rates hotels, restaurants and other consumer services? Google has its own answer.
“With Zagat, we gain a world-class team that has more experience in consumer based-surveys, recommendations and reviews than anyone else in the industry,” says the official Google Blog.
The blog says Google s “thrilled” by the acquisition.
“Moving forward, Zagat will be a cornerstone of our local offering—delighting people with their impressive array of reviews, ratings and insights, while enabling people everywhere to find extraordinary (and ordinary) experiences around the corner and around the world,” the blog says.
Some commentators said the acquisition not only underscores Google's efforts to build out its local products, but also the web company's shift to become a content provider.
Google has flirted with the idea of buying a Zagat-like content company for some time.
Two years ago, there were reports it was in talks to acquire Help, another review site that covers everything from restaurants to barber shops.
Zagat announced the acquisition on its website with an image inspired by its own ratings system, saying "Zagat, a 'pioneer in user-generated content' and creator of the world's most 'influential' and 'trusted' consumer reviews, has been acquired by another 'renowned innovator,' Google."
Zagat co-founders Nina and Tim Zagat, saying “Zagat Got Googled,” announced they will stay on as co-chairs of Zagat, adding that “the merger of our resources, expertise and platforms with those of Google will give us the opportunity to greatly expand.”
Commentators say to expect more travel related acquisitions from GOOGLE.
By David Wilkening
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