Sundar Pichai Reveals Google Once Nearly Bought Netflix
In a recent episode of the All-In Podcast with David Friedberg, Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared some fascinating insights into the company’s past acquisition strategies. When asked about the company’s approach to mergers and acquisitions, Pichai revealed that Google had once come very close to buying Netflix, one of the world’s leading streaming services.
“There are acquisitions we debated hard…came close [to buying],” said Pichai, hinting at the company’s willingness to invest in strategic partnerships. When pushed to name one of the companies that had sparked intense debate, Pichai replied, “Maybe Netflix…At one point, we debated Netflix super intensely.”
The revelation is surprising, considering Netflix’s current status as a major competitor to Google’s own streaming services, such as YouTube Premium and Google Play Movies & TV. However, Pichai’s comments suggest that the idea of a Google-Netflix deal was seriously considered at some point in the past.
Interestingly, UK-based CCS Insight had predicted a potential Google-Netflix deal as far back as 2015. In an article published by Moneycontrol, Pichai’s comments have been seen as a confirmation of the rumors that had been circulating for years.
So, what happened? Why did Google ultimately decide not to pursue a deal with Netflix? According to Pichai, the company’s decision was likely influenced by a range of factors, including the changing landscape of the entertainment industry and the company’s own strategic priorities.
At the time, Netflix was still a relatively small player in the streaming market, having launched its service in 2007. While it had gained popularity, it was still dwarfed by traditional television networks and cable providers. Google, on the other hand, was already a major player in the online advertising market, with a significant presence in the digital entertainment space through its YouTube platform.
It’s likely that Google’s decision not to pursue a deal with Netflix was influenced by a desire to focus on its core strengths, rather than diversify into a new area. The company has since continued to invest in its own streaming services, including YouTube Premium and Google Play Movies & TV.
In the years since, Netflix has grown to become one of the world’s largest streaming services, with a global presence and a reputation for producing high-quality original content. The company’s success has been nothing short of remarkable, and its stock price has soared as a result.
Meanwhile, Google has continued to evolve its own streaming services, with YouTube Premium offering a range of original content and exclusive shows. The company has also invested heavily in its Google Play Movies & TV platform, which offers a range of movies and TV shows for rent or purchase.
In conclusion, Sundar Pichai’s revelation about Google’s near-deal with Netflix provides a fascinating glimpse into the company’s past acquisition strategies. While it’s unclear what ultimately led to the collapse of the deal, it’s clear that Google has continued to evolve its approach to the entertainment industry, focusing on its core strengths and investing in its own streaming services.
