Google might be about to deal another serious blow to Uber
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IMAGE: AP/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK
In case we needed more proof that Google and Uber really are done with each other, Google parent company Alphabet is reportedly considering a major investment in Lyft.
The investment, which hasn't been finalized, could be as much as $1 billion, according to Bloomberg.
Needless to say, if Google were now to invest such a large amount in Lyft, it would be a serious blow to Uber, which is also currently trying to secure more funding. The news comes on the heels of a report, featured in The Information, that Lyft is getting ready to start business in Canada — its first international expansion.
It also underscores just how much the relationship between Google and Uber has deterioratedin recent months. Google, which had previously invested $258 million in Uber (via Google Ventures), is suing Uber for allegedly stealing thousands of files from Google's self driving car company, Waymo.
There are other, smaller, signs Google may be looking to get closer to Lyft amid its legal battle with Uber. Press invites sent for the company's upcoming Pixel 2 launch asked attendees if they'd like to receive a promotional code for a Lyft ride to the event. Prior events also included such offers, but both 2015 and 2016's fall hardware launches offered up Uber codes.
That's still a long way off from investing a billion dollars, of course. But, at the very least, it shows that Google is getting a lot more friendly with Lyft.
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