Numerous websites and newspapers are confirming that Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) has in fact acquired YouTube for $1.65 billion in stock. YouTube's employees will remain in their own location, and YouTube will continue on a separate entity.
Interestingly enough, YouTube was deep in a bidding war for its purchase, apparently with Yahoo! right in there until the end. Understandable, as this deal makes Google a very clear leader in online video delivery. Other companies will be scrambling to keep up, and there will probably be more purchasing of any smaller video companies as corporations seek to counter Google's massive traffic and influence in this area.
At a Google investor conference call questions were answered that showed there would strong independence on YouTube's part as it continued on, however there will be more examination into how to monetize YouTube's content. And with lots of questions about copyright issues, now that YouTube is part of a much larger financial entity, the payoff for IP lawyers to go after violations will be much bigger.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-09-2006 @ 9:40PM
Steve Arthur said...
Companies like VidiTalk are a likely candidate to be purchased because of its streaming video technology which would fit perfectly into the Google system.
10-10-2006 @ 1:46AM
Mr Wave Theory said...
With that big $1.65 billion price tag, you bet everyone is wondering who is going to get bought next after YouTube? Google (Nasdaq GOOG) is out of the game but there are many more buyers. I took a look at Yahoo's directory of video sharing services, DMOZ, etc. - hey, Yahoo! Inc. (Nasdaq YHOO) is good for something too you know. They have a great directory. Here they are. My 25 sites that can be bought next in no particular order.
1) PutFile
2) Ourmedia
3) ZippyVideos
4) Vimeo
5) Metacafe
6) Veoh
7) DailyMotion
8) Castpost
9) Revver
10) VideoEgg
11) Str8Up
12) Dropshots
13) GoFish
14) VidiLife
15) Eyespot
16) StreetFire
17) Clipshack
18) VideoSift
19) Videobomb
20) vMix
21) MotionBox
22) vSocial
23) VapShare
24) Pickle
25) 247Show
http://mrwavetheory.blogspot.com/2006/10/who-will-get-bought-next-after-youtube.html