Microsoft sets sights on Google for expansion

Thursday, 6 November 2003

It has been rumoured that leading software developer Microsoft may be seeking to acquire popular search engine Google, in a bid to secure a healthy share of the online search engine market.

Search engines have become an increasingly lucrative source of revenue in recent years and the market has grown, led by companies such as Google and Yahoo.

It was recently announced that Google is to soon float shares on the stock market, reportedly having decided to offer them in a public online auction early next year.

Though the company has not released any formal figures, experts estimate it to be worth some $15 billion (£8.9 billion).

Microsoft previously announced plans to develop its own search facility following the ending of a contract with search provider Overture, however, growing competition has led the firm to consider acquisition.

‘Microsoft wants its search engine to be just as good as Google,’ one industry expert told USA Today. ‘Before you dismiss that notion, consider what Microsoft has done,’ he added, referring to its past successes.