Google Asks Mobile Companies for Help on AdMob Acquisition

As many of us know, Google has been trying to acquire mobile advertising platform AdMob since November 2009. While most people believe the acquisition is done already, it has yet to be approved by the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]. Back in December, Google released a public statement explaining that the deal had been delayed because the FTC asked for more information to continue reviewing the deal. Up to date, the acquisition has not been finalized. That’s why Google is now asking mobile advertising companies for help on getting the acquisition proposition cleared by the FTC.

Google is apparently asking these mobile companies to write letters in support of the acquisition and send them to the FTC. One of the mobile advertising agencies that received a request, states that Google is asking the following question [see it after the break]:

“Do you think mobile advertising is going to keep growing, and that Google’s acquisition of Admob won’t hurt your business or decrease competition in the mobile market?”

The same agency notes that they were also contacted by the FTC months ago, but haven’t heard anything ever since. Bloomberg reported last week that the FTC actually started reaching out and asking AdMob competitors about the acquisition.

Apple is, of course, looking to take advantage of this. Rumor has it that the Cupertino-based company is planning to change its SDK to require developers to use Quattro Wireless only whenever they want to include ads in their iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad applications.

We’ll update as soon as we learn more.

[ via TechCrunch ]