Sources at both Facebook and Google have reportedly told The Wall Street Journal that ‘low level talks’ between the respective companies and Twitter have occurred over recent months, which could result the micoblogging company being acquired, despite its founders having always told The Telegraph that they would never sell the service.
The talks are not believed to have progressed far yet, but according to the report, the talks have led to a Twitter valuation of $10 billion, only two months on from the site being valued at $3.4 billion, post its last round of investment.
Both Evan Williams, Twitter’s co-founder, and Dick Costolo, the company’s chief executive, have repeatedly told The Telegraph that the site it not for sale. However, the site, despite the roll out of its advertising product and promoted tools during 2010, is believed to have made a loss last year, despite revenues of $45 million.
Analysts believe that Twitter could be at least looking to form deep partnerships with either Google or Facebook so its influence spreads beyond its own network. It is also believed not to be the first time that both sites have expressed interest in buying Twitter – with previous acquisition rumours doing the rounds in 2009.
Twitter was unavailable for comment.
The news follows hot on the heels of another major tech start up acquisition. Earlier this week AOL bought The Huffington Post for $315 million.
Friday, 11 February 2011
Twitter ‘could be bought by Facebook or Google’ - Telegraph
via telegraph.co.uk
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