Google adds to travel prowess with Frommer's guidebooks acquisition
Travel guides now under the control of Google
Google has bought the travel guidebook brand Frommer's as it seeks to take further command of the location-based reviews market.
The acquisition, announced on Monday for an undisclosed fee, will see the Frommer's team join forces with the Zagat team - the online restaurant reviews company Google snapped-up last September.
Combining the two, along with its own considerable know-how in this area, gives Google a formidable line-up as it seeks to "provide a review for relevant place in the world"
It is thought that the 65-year old guidebook brand, which has over 300 titles in its library, will continue to exist in print form - at least for now.
'Great addition' to Zagat
"The Frommer's team and the quality and scope of their content will be a great addition to the Zagat team," said a spokeswoman for Google.
"We can't wait to start working with them on our goal to provide a review for every relevant place in the world."
The Frommer's brand was previously owned by the John Wiley & Sons publishing house, who put the company up for sale in March this year.
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"Finding the right home for Frommer's ranked high in our criteria, and we think Google is a great fit," said a spokeswoman.
Via: Guardian
A technology journalist, writer and videographer of many magazines and websites including T3, Gadget Magazine and TechRadar.com. He specializes in applications for smartphones, tablets and handheld devices, with bylines also at The Guardian, WIRED, Trusted Reviews and Wareable. Chris is also the podcast host for The Liverpool Way. As well as tech and football, Chris is a pop-punk fan and enjoys the art of wrasslin'.