Color me concerned about Google buyout of Groupon

I don't get the big deal about Groupon, but obviously it is a big deal, judging by the PR Groupon gets, as well as the fact this would be Google's priciest takeover ever, so we should worry about Google's planned buyout.

Beyond the story noting how this would extend Google's tentacles into the local ad market, surely there's another reason, given where you often see Groupon ads - this would extend Google's tentacles into Facebook.

"Nice" timing, too, with Google under EU antitrust investigation:

Friction from intense regulatory scrutiny could increase Google's cost of doing business, especially when it comes to buying large companies, said Lou Kerner, an analyst at Wedbush Securities.

Good thing Groupon is just a U.S. deal; the EU would quash this takeover in a Brussels minute.