Google And eBay Agree Ad And Phone Deal

Google and eBay have signed an advertising and “click-to-call” phone deal to benefit both companies’ collective communities of users.

Under the agreement, Google will become the exclusive text-based advertising provider for eBay outside the United States. In addition, eBay and Google plan to integrate and launch “click-to-call” advertising functionality that leverage both Skype and Google Talk globally in each company’s respective shopping and search platforms.

The companies said the financial terms for certain components of the deal involve revenue sharing, but did not disclose specific details.

The companies plan to begin testing the text-based advertising and click-to-call initiatives in early 2007. The specific components and timing of implementation will depend upon initial test results, and will vary by market.

Meg Whitman, president and chief executive officer of eBay, said: “We’re pleased to expand our long-standing relationship with Google to explore new market opportunities, like click-to-call advertising, that benefit both our communities of users.

“People continue to evolve how they shop, communicate and advertise online. By combining the power of eBay in ecommerce and Skype in communications with Google’s leadership in search and advertising, we can increase the usefulness of the Internet for shoppers, merchants and advertisers around the world.”

Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer of Google, said: “This agreement underscores how much we value eBay as a partner. Our technologies will allow us to connect users to relevant advertising across eBay’s international properties. By working together to promote click-to-call functionality through Google Talk and Skype, we are offering advertisers another innovative way to connect with customers.”

Google: 020 7031 3000 www.google.co.uk/ eBay: www.ebay.co.uk/