Google angry on Microsoft and Yahoo!’s proposed marriage
Wow! it hasn’t been done yet, but is been touted as the would-be deal or acquisition of the decade has been drawing all different kinds of responses, commentaries and expert views. Because of the nature of the power players involved, Microsoft’s past legal wrangles and the fact the proposed bid was made public and calculated to give Google a warning shot this deal will bear the utmost scrutiny by policy makers.
But still nothing on the table yet there has been some angry responses from Google and well some honest fact based response from Microsoft. Quoting Google VP, their official blog he continually stressed “hostile bid”, “openness and innovation” and well, Microsoft’s legal history. Here is some excerpt:
“Could the acquisition of Yahoo! allow Microsoft — despite its legacy of serious legal and regulatory offenses — to extend unfair practices from browsers and operating systems to the Internet? In addition, Microsoft plus Yahoo! equals an overwhelming share of instant messaging and web email accounts. And between them, the two companies operate the two most heavily trafficked portals on the Internet. Could a combination of the two take advantage of a PC software monopoly to unfairly limit the ability of consumers to freely access competitors’ email, IM, and web-based services? Policymakers around the world need to ask these questions — and consumers deserve satisfying answers.”
Then again it didn’t take long for Microsoft to respond by its General Counsel, Brad Smith saying:
“The combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will create a more competitive marketplace by establishing a compelling number two competitor for Internet search and online advertising. The alternative scenarios only lead to less competition on the Internet…today, Google is the dominant search engine and advertising company on the Web. Google has amassed about 75 percent of paid search revenues worldwide and its share continues to grow. According to published reports, Google currently has more than 65 percent search query share in the U.S. and more than 85 percent in Europe. Microsoft and Yahoo! on the other hand have roughly 30 percent combined in the U.S. and approximately 10 percent combined in Europe..Microsoft is committed to openness, innovation, and the protection of privacy on the Internet. We believe that the combination of Microsoft and Yahoo! will advance these goals.”
I think Google should just accept the competition and continue to do what they do best; innovate. This bid will be good for the industry and consumers as well. Good and fair competition benefits the consumer. What do you think?
