Google Acquires UK Startup Rangespan
Google has made another move to build out its e-commerce business, and specifically its retail portal Google Shopping. It has acquired Rangespan, a London-based provider of back office services for online retailers.
Rangespan’s aim was to help retailers forecast what products were needed or desired. For online shoppers, this should mean better suggestions and offers when searching via Google.
“We are very happy to announce that Rangespan is joining Google,” Rangespan said on its website. “We will continue to work on services for shoppers and retailers at Google, and we’re super excited about the opportunities to come.”
Rangespan said it will wind down its services as part of the move.
Google is working to prevent Amazon and EBay from grabbing consumer searches for products online with its Shopping service, which lets people quickly find pictures and prices of items online. The Mountain View, California-based company has been adding new features to the offering, including same-day delivery in some cities.
Rangespan’s co-founders are Matt Henderson and Ryan Regan. Henderson formerly worked at Amazon as a director of merchant services in the U.K., while Regan was chief financial officer at Last.fm Ltd. and worked at Amazon for eight years in roles including managing director.