Google close to buy Groupon for $6 bn: Report

Internet titan Google is close to a deal to buy Groupon, the pioneering online discounter, for as much as $6 billion, says a media report.

Attributing the news to people with direct knowledge of the matter, the New York Times reported Google was nearing to finalise the deal. However, it said the deal very well had the chances to fall apart.

At the price, Groupon - known for its daily discounts - would be one of Google's largest acquisitions, dwarfing even the $3.1 billion buy of DoubleClick, the display advertising giant, in 2007.

The acquisition would also be the internet giant's boldest foray into local business online advertising. Google has declined to comment on the deal, the report added.