Google to buy Frommer's travel brand
updated 04:12 pm EDT, Mon August 13, 2012
Travel products may roll into Zagat ratings
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Google will soon close a deal that will see the search giant acquire the Frommer's travel brand from a publicly-owned company. The acquisition -- in combination with Google's acquisition of Zagat last year -- will give the search giant an even greater suite of product, service, and location rating capabilities. The financial aspects of the acquisition have yet to be announced, and the Journal says Google is still looking into exactly how it will roll Frommer's services into its own. A note on Frommer's web site confirmed the acquisition today.
Frommer's publishes a series of guidebooks and apps that provide travelers with information and reviews on locations around the world. The company highlights special deals, suggests trip activities, and connects travelers to hotels and other businesses.
The travel brand will now likely be folded into Google's larger review services, which includes Zagat ratings as well as a number of other in-house user rating options. Google hasn't announced whether Frommer's book guides will remain in their current physical format or whether they will be transitioned into a digital product. Also uncertain is the fate of Frommer's existing iOS apps. The company publishes guides for both the Android and iOS platforms, and Google may discontinue support for the app as the company works to integrate Frommer's.
