FTC Takes Closer Look At Google’s AdMob Deal
March 11, 2010
The "Facts about Google's acquisition of AdMob" page Google established in November of last year apparently hasn't satisfied the Federal Trade Commission's curiosity. A fresh report indicates that the FTC has stepped up its investigation of the deal by seeking sworn declarations from third parties.
This isn't a good sign for Google. Todd Shields and Dina Bass heard about the FTC's move from "people with direct knowledge of the matter," so the affair appears to have developed beyond rumor stage.
Also, after talking to Stephen Calkins, a professor of law who used to serve as General Counsel of the FTC, Shields and Bass reported that the FTC tends to seek declarations "'when they think there is some significant chance' the agency will ask a court to block a merger, or seek to modify a deal."
Google's been running into more and more antitrust trouble as of late. From the problems with its book digitization project to a European Commission probe, the search giant's been held up on several fronts. It wouldn't be surprising if something - such as this AdMob deal - becomes a breaking point.
Still, asking for sworn declarations isn't the same thing as strongly objecting. It remains possible the FTC will give Google's acquisition of AdMob a green light.
Yahoo on Microsoft Deal Benefits for Advertisers, Consumers, Publishers
March 10, 2010
Yahoo's line of thinking with regards to the big Microsoft/Yahoo search and advertising deal is that it will benefit both Microsoft and Yahoo's advertisers, as well as consumers and publishers.
It will benefit advertisers because it will increase search volume, with results from both Bing and Yahoo being taken into consideration. It will benefit consumers because by combining advertisers from both properties, there will be a greater pool to deliver sponsored results from, which Yahoo says will mean increased relevance. It will benefit Yahoo, Bing, and their publisher partners with increased liquidity, participation, and relevance. That is basically the sum of it, according to Yahoo Vice President of Search Advertising David Pann.
WebProNews recently sat down with Pann and discussed these things and how the deal will affect advertisers.