Google In Talks To Acquire YouTube?

There are rumors of Google being in talks to buy YouTube Inc., free video sharing website, for $1.6 billion. The Wall Street Journal reported that, "The discussions between Google and YouTube are still at a sensitive stage and could break off, says the person familiar with the matter. Other technology, media and entertainment companies have expressed interest in taking stakes in YouTube this year, according to people familiar with the matter" Yahoo! Inc. had earlier expressed interest in holding acquisition talks. "YouTube also turned down a lower proposed value from Google earlier this week, before commencing discussions about the possible $1.6 billion deal."

Google spokesman and YouTube spokeswoman refused to comment on the "rumors and speculation."

YouTube is facing a lawsuit regarding copyright infringement in connection with several videos. According to YouTube it removes videos with infringing content when notified.

Google co-founder Sergey Brin said, "the company plans to increase the prominence of videos on its site, by displaying some relevant clips alongside the results provided by its market-leading Web-search engine."

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