Acquisitions: What is Google searching for?

Anil Hansjee, Head of Corporate Development, gives four characteristics.

Google acquires companies all around the world.

Anil Hansjee is Google's Head of Corporate Development in Europe, and he sees four characteristics that Google is looking for in new acquisitions.

#1 Strategic Acquisitions
Large acquisitions like Youtube or Doubleclick that place Google in a leading position they would have had difficulties achieving themselves.

#2 Insight Acquisitions
Bets on the future such as Android or Aardvark when innovation happens faster outside the company.

#3 Research & Development
Companies that have deep expertise in a specific field of technology.

#4 Field Experience
Companies who have already shown results in a specific field Google is planning on going into.

Background
Anil Hansjee joined Google in 2006 as Head of Corporate Development for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining, he was a Principal with the venture capital firm IDG Ventures, and board director of one of their portfolio companies, the mobile music company Shazam Entertainment.

By Martin Kubert, mk@venturecup.dk