TechCrunch was able to get their hands on a confidential screenshot from Google’s headquarters on Google +1 [see below]:
Confidential Screen Shot of Google +1 | Please note the share functionality in the toolbar (source: TechCrunch)
- Reported image of Google +1 (formerly Google Me)
- Notice “Confidential” at the top and the share buttons
- Toolbar would exist at top of Google properties
- Key part is “loops” = “groups in Google terminology
- New toolbar expected to launch early next year
Google is playing catch-up in the social space. Buying Groupon would have been a big game changer for them, however as reported by several sources on Friday this appears unlikely at this point. According to the Chicago Tribune report Groupon believes it is better off to stay independent. It’s estimated that Groupon will make $2 billion in revenue this year. Next year Groupon may decide to do an IPO as well.
My personal take is Groupon should take the money and run, but I respect their independence and it’s always more fun to have more companies around. The reason I believe they should take the money and run is that long term the robust couponing may actually be causing the businesses to be losing money. One such reason is that some states (e.g. New Hampshire) have strict laws on expiring coupons and hence that’s a large liability to have on the books (hat tip Casey Chesire). Who knows though, Facebook turned down a buyout and that seems to have worked out in their favor.
Thanks to TechCrunch for supplying the above information on Google +1.
By Erik Qualman
Unfortunately in the UK is receiving bad press from businesses and whilst this may be a very small number of businesses providng feedback to me, I do feel that their ad explosion and heavily discounted offers are not providng businesses in the UK with positive branding and this is short termism for cash growth in any business model. I could be wrong and groupon may take over the world but the UK is consumer is a little more conscious of value for money rather than incentives to buy products and services of no real use.
Just my 2p worth of thought on Groupon
Andrew
Andrew:
Thanks for the insight from the UK – always great to get insider information from progressive international markets.
Cheers, equalman
It’s probably a response to FaceBook’s messaging system…
It’s probably a reply to FaceBook’s messaging…
rockmelt has this feature already…
How do you like rockmelt Filipe? This seems to be picking up steam.
hmmmmmm I bet Google has passed this ‘confidential’ and ‘leaked’ image to Techcrunch to try and create intrigue
Kay:
Sadly I think you are right….
For some reason I’m just not surprised that Groupon wanted to stay independent. Doesn’t Google have a history of burying the companies it buys? Hey, I’m just sayin.
You may be right though. They may look back and regret it one day.
Judith:
I agree with you that many acquisitions like this don’t make for a good marriage. Hat’s off to the owners of Groupon for staying with their “baby” I just think the value was at an all-time high. Good be wrong though! We’ll see in the coming years!