Report: Google Sniffing A Groupon Buy

Several reports have indicated tech giant Google is interested in acquiring Groupon, an emerging company which helps users find localized deals.

The report, initially from tech blog AllThingsD, cited anonymous sources and said the deal would be worth more than $3 billion. Last month, media reports said Yahoo! was interested in acquiring GroupOn for a deal reportedly worth $1.5-$3 billion.

A separate report from Bloomberg said Groupon was choosing between selling itself to Google and getting another round of fundraising. Already the company has garnered $170 million from investors including Accel Partners and New Enterprise Associates. The company was said to be looking for $3 billion in funding.

Groupon is privately run and is based out of Chicago, Ill. It was founded two years ago and has quickly risen to prominence aided by the emerging smartphone market.

A spokesperson from Groupon said the company did not respond to rumors or speculation. Representatives from Google declined to comment.