Google Goes Public

[Brittany]

I haven't seen this discussed in this forum yet, so I figured I'd mention it.

Apparently, Google is going public -- with its shares, that is.

"NEW YORK/PALO ALTO — Google, the 5-year-old company that redefined the way people search the Internet, is actively seeking bankers to help it sell shares of the company to the public, according to people familiar with the situation.

An initial public offering of Google shares has long been rumored and investment banks have tripped over themselves for years trying to convince the company to do so. The formal search that Google began signals it may be ready to go public in what would likely be the biggest technology IPO in years. ..."

Click here to read the full article from USAToday. (http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/techcorporatenews/2003-10-23-google-ipo-talk_x.htm)

So, the rumors are true.

What will this mean for the search engine industry -- and for Silicon Valley?

[atimmins]

From the article named in the subject line on www.SearchEngineWatch.com

Sullivan then asked about Google's plans for an initial public offering (IPO).

Brin answered, "It's something that we debate periodically at board meetings - not every board meeting - every other or every third - and then we move on to the next topic. It's not the most pressing thing for us. We are profitable, so we don't need the cash. But it might be nice to have the currency of being a public company to do acquisitions and things like that. Still, there are significant management distractions involved in being a public company. So, it's always kind of a toss-up. That's not to say we're never going to do it. There's a good chance that eventually we will. The summary is that it could go either way."

I'm not sure I like the idea, as Brin stated this tends to lead to management distractions. I hope they handle it the correct way, e.g. maintain the inportance of relevency as opposed to putting more emphasis on the PPC model to apease stockholders by increasing earnings.

I suppose time will tell, and bottom line is we have no say!

[Mel]

Perhaps more interesting is this Article from the Financial Times (http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1066565323583&p=1012571727092) which indicates that not only is Google seriously considering it, but that they are considering selling the shares via an Internet auction.

[JMac]

I have concerns over Google going public because a company needs to maintain the vision of its founders - in this case, relevant results for the surfing public. From what I hear, it's a great work environment, similar to that of the now famous SAS. Once the focus turns to profits over results... it's all downhill from there. Happy employees, better product - over worked, underpaid employees, instant stagnation and downturn in results and employee turnover.
Anyways, I rant...

I vote against them going public, but that's my opinion. And I'd still buy their stock - if I were a stock buyin' kind!

JMac

[softwaresubmit]

Is it good news or is it BAD news...? To tell the truth, I am deeply concerned... But there is still hope that Google will be even better after this major investors money injection.

[wbsweb]

any dates as to when they are going public?

[cbp]

No. But it appears to be put on hold.

CBP