Google Inc., the world's largest search provider, reported on Thursday that its third quarter profit nearly doubled compared to the same period last year.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based company said that net income for the third quarter grew to $733.4 million, or $2.36 per diluted share, compared with the same quarter a year ago when net income was $381.2 million, or $1.32 per share.

The company reported revenues of $2.69 billion for the quarter which ended with September, an increase of 70 percent compared to $1.58 billion a year ago.

Google CEO, Eric Shmidt said he was particularly pleased with the third quarter results. "In addition, we continued to forge significant partnerships with companies such as eBay, Fox Interactive Media, and Intuit that will be of great value to all involved,' he added.

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