Soured Acquisition Leads to Groupon-Like Google Offers

Google plans to launch its own deal-of-the-day service, one quite similar to that offered by Groupon.

The search giant has officially launched a beta test of Google Offers, which is designed to give those who sign up for the service daily discounts at local restaurants, shops and other attractions.

According to the Google Offers sign-up page, members can expect coupons for 50 per cent or more off regular price goods and services.

Groupon Turns Down Google Offer

Google Offers surfaces mere months after Groupon turned down an acquisition offer from Google. As of last November, various reports noted that Google had offered as much as $6 billion for the daily deal company. (Source: computerworld.com)

When negotiations fell through a few weeks later, analysts were certain that Google would respond by either counter-offering with a much more favorable offer, or work extensively to develop their own Groupon-like service and attempt to overshadow their competition.

With Google Offers, the latter has now come to pass.

Google is first launching their coupon service in Portland, Oregon, with plans to extend it to New York and the San Francisco Bay area.

Facebook Deals: Established Groupon Rival

However, Google is not the only company to rival Groupon.

In November, Facebook announced plans for Facebook Deals, a feature that gives local businesses the chance to offer incentives to those who frequent their Facebook pages.

Facebook further tweaked this service last month, with users now having access to the deals directly, similar to the way in which Groupon operates. (Source: idg.no)