The ongoing battle to control the internet between Google and Microsoft is turning into an epic and internet companies are hot property as a result
Getting a good deal when selling your company has much to do with timing; if there’s a hunger for deals and money available then you are going to get so much more for your business than when the market is flat. Right now there’s probably no two companies more hungry and with more available cash than Microsoft and Google. These two behemoths are determined to control the destiny of search, and the competition between them is fuelling their desires to buy. Both firms are on acquisition sprees and with cashflows like theirs it isn’t going to stop anytime soon. I expect 2008 to be filled with more news of acquisitions and partnerships involving these two.
The most recent development in this saga is the news that British company Multimap has just been acquired by Microsoft. It is a smart move from its founder Sean Phelan; he may never again have got such a good opportunity to sell. It is also a fine way to bring 12-years hard work to a conclusion. The exact details of the deal have not been revealed but it is certain that Phelan is now the recipient of a very handsome pay-out. So the online space is hot right now and if you’re in that area you could be a target. Maybe an idea to get your house in order so you’ll be ready should the envoys of Mr Gates or Mr Brin and Mr Page come knocking at your door?
