Google Gambit for Groupon Raises Concern

Groupon began in November 2008, growing out of an earlier company created in 2007 that tried to rally groups of people behind charities and social causes

The viral aspect of Groupon’s business could give Google a much-needed path toward social networking

NYTIMES Nov 30, 2010 | Google’s $6 billion bid for Groupon, an online coupon start-up, is an aggressive move by the company to dominate local online advertising and help with its long-sought move into social networking.

Google has offered Groupon $5.3 billion, with the promise of $700 million in performance bonuses for management, according to a person knowledgeable about the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity. Several people close to the deal said Groupon, which is based in Chicago, was expected to approve the acquisition and…

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