News
Yahoo-Google Ad Deal Off
- By Herb Torrens
- 11/06/2008
Calling it a distraction to its core mission, Google pulled the plug on an
advertising agreement with Yahoo, according to statements from both companies
Wednesday.
Announced
in June, the non-exclusive agreement would have provided Yahoo"with
access to Google's AdSense advertising programs on U.S. and Canadian Web properties,"
according to a Google fact sheet.
Billed as a win-win for both companies and consumers, the deal was opposed
by Microsoft and others and underwent
review from federal regulators. Google cited the lengthy review process
and concerns by "some advertisers" as the reason for ending the agreement.
"Pressing ahead risked not only a protracted legal battle but also damage
to relationships with valued partners," Google noted in a prepared
statement. "That wouldn't have been in the long-term interests of Google
or our users, so we have decided to end the agreement."
In a rather upbeat statement
issued Wednesday, Yahoo said that it was disappointed that Google decided to
terminate the agreement "rather than defend it in court."
However, the No. 2 search engine conglomerate said the decision would not change
its commitment to growth and innovation in the search space.
"Going forward, Yahoo! plans to continue to provide the cutting-edge advances
in products, platforms and services that the industry needs and expects, and
intends to be the destination of choice for advertisers and publishers who want
to reach one of the largest and most engaged populations of consumers on the
Web," the statement said.
Meanwhile, shares in Yahoo surged by 11 percent the same day on rumors of a
revised Microsoft takeover plan, according to Reuters. The report said information
surfaced online after Google withdrew from the agreement with Yahoo. Both Yahoo
and Microsoft denied
the rumors, according to Reuters.
Interestingly, the rumor included news that Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang was leaving
the company. Yang had opposed the unsolicited offer by Microsoft last spring.
In fact, the agreement between Yahoo and Google was widely seen as an effort
to keep Yahoo independent, according to Reuters.
About the Author
Herb Torrens is an award-winning freelance writer based in Southern California. He managed the MCSP program for a leading computer telephony integrator for more than five years and has worked with numerous solution providers including HP/Compaq, Nortel, and Microsoft in all forms of media.