Google set to acquire online local search business Yelp?

SEARCH giant Google, is rumoured to be in talks to acquire Yelp, the online local search and business review provider, in a deal that could be worth more than US$500 million.

Neither company has made any official comment at this stage, but the two companies have flirted with an acquisition in the past.

The move would give Google a boost in mobile search advertising, and the addition of Yelp would significantly increase the amount of data available to Google for local ad targeting, according to industry commentators.

Yelp is a website that connects people with local businesses. Founded in San Francisco in July 2004, “Yelp communities” have taken root in major conurbations across the US, Canada, UK and Ireland, generating an audience of more than 26 million unique visitors in November 2009. So-called “Yelpers” have written more than 8 million local reviews, making Yelp the leading US local guide for word of mouth, user generated reviews on everything from boutiques and mechanics to restaurants and dentists.

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