Meebo Picked Up By Google

Meebo, the social platform founded in 2005, has officially been snatched up by Google, according to statements made by both companies on Monday.

The company wrote in its official blog today, saying:

“Together with Google, we’re super jazzed to roll up our sleeves and get cracking on even bigger and better ways to help users and website owners alike.”

A Google spokesman praised the deal as well, saying:

“With the Meebo team’s expertise in social publisher tools, we believe they will be a great fit with the Google+ team. We look forward to closing the transaction and working with the Meebo team to create more ways for users to engage online.”

Meebo originally started as a browser-based instant messaging client, but has grown to include the Meebo Bar, an application that allows users to chat on other sites, like TV Guide, TMZ and Entertainment weekly, according to PC Mag.

Tech Crunch reports that the deal was for a rumored $100 million, although Google is remaining mum about the purchase price, but a source close to the deal reported that the social networking platform was able to raise about $70 million in four venture rounds.

The company further stated in their blog post that:

“We’ve had a blast building Meebo so far, and we’re really excited to start the next leg of our journey.”

Tech Crunch also reports that part of the acquisition by Google will require layoffs on the side of Meebo, who has reportedly already let go of some marketing staff team members.