Have you ever been to Yelp.com? If not, I strongly recommend using it. It’s a great resource if you are looking to get information regarding any local shops or resteraunts. It provides recent customer testimonials, regardless if they are positive or not.

However, Search Engine Mogul, Google, has their eyes set on the rapidly growing site. According to SearchNewz.com:

“Google and Yelp are in advanced acquisition negotiations, weve confirmed from multiple sources. And while the deal isnt done, weve heard that its very likely to close. The price is supposedly at least $500 million.

This would certainly be an interesting addition to Googles growing local search empire. With their activities in the mobile realm and all the opportunities with Google Maps, Google Local Business etc, etc Yelp would be a very strong addition to an already strong stable of local offerings.

As for Yelp as a service? It certainly is growing and has a great reputation but it remains a service that has great success in high tech pockets. With Google at the helm it could spread like wildfire. Either that or it may just be assimilated into The Goog and used as the model moving forward for Googles local business offerings. That is all a big TBD and, of course, having this deal finished first will help with the speculation about the integration of Yelp and its offerings.

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