Google to target mobile web and social network players in China

Tue Apr 15 2008, 08:09 AM

Google is looking at investments in Chinese social networking and mobile web companies, a senior executive tells The Wall Street Journal. Kai-Fu Lee, president of Google's Greater China operations, says Google would like to become a top player in China's internet search within five years. Lee would not give details on potential investments or targets.

Deal Details

  • Status pending
  • Investor Google

Google recently said it would revamp its web portal in China, where it competes with well-established market leader Baidu. Last Jul, it invested USD1m in social network technology provider Comsenz. It has also invested USD5m in video and game downloads portal Xunlei Network and owns an undisclosed stake in networking site Tianya.cn.

While the US search giant still trails behind Baidu, recent figures show it growing faster than its Chinese rival. Google accounted for 26% of the country's web search revenue in the last quarter of 2007, up from 17% a year ago, according to Analysys. Meanwhile, Baidu claims 60% of web search revenue, up from 58% the year before.