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EU Approves Google-DoubleClick Merger

Posted by kdawson on from the think-before-you-click dept.

A number of readers sent word that EU regulators have cleared the Google-DoubleClick deal. "The commission said Google and DoubleClick 'were not exerting major competitive constraints on each other's activities and could, therefore, not be considered as competitors,' and even if DoubleClick could become an effective competitor in online intermediation services, 'it is likely that other competitors would continue to exert sufficient competitive pressure after the merger.'"

5 of 78 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Globalization by geminidomino · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Considering that Google is based in the USA, is there any reason why they would even need the EU's approval for something like this? Point about the article being nonexistent notwithstanding, the answer is that they don't technically *need* the EU's approval, except that they would probably like to actually do business IN the EU
  2. Re:Did I miss something? by scubamage · · Score: 4, Insightful

    Nothing. Google's primary business is still being a search engine. Doubleclick is an advertising framework and analytics (hence google wanting to acquire it). Search engine != advertising framework. Therefore they don't compete. Funny how things work just like they're supposed to sometimes.

  3. Re:Did I miss something? by scubamage · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Mmmm, your tears sustain me. Cry more, please, cry more. So sweet and salty. You also miss the fact that while google may make its revenue off of ads, it still is not considered an advertising framework and analytics package. Google analytics is nothing compared to doubleclick, which is their primary reason for the acquisition. As mentioned elsewhere in this story's discussion, the analytics are whats important here. Every website makes money off of advertising, google does it with searching. Doubleclick, however, makes their money off of the analytics it offers along with an advertising framework. They are two different things. If you want to say they're the same thing, you may want to ditch the sour grapes and get your head checked.

  4. Re:Globalization by TubeSteak · · Score: 3, Insightful

    But, Google never has to step physically into Europe for anything. It is just data across some tubes. Google has local offices across the world.
    Or do you really think they coordinate advertising in England from California?

    If the EU Commission had said no, could they really stop the merger? European companies would be told, "Don't buy from Google-Click or else"? As if all internet servers for European companies are even hosted in Europe? If [company] went ahead with a non-EU regulator approved merger, I imagine the regulators would start fining [company] for whatever reason they turned down the merger.
    --
    [Fuck Beta]
    o0t!
  5. Re:AdSense Terms now requires privacy policy by scubamage · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Forgot to mention, while tracking is a valid concern for end users who are worried about anonymity, again, this really will be a boon to anyone who uses adsense.