Google Scrambling for a Local Deals Site

Google, after Groupon famously shunned their advances -- and $6 billion -- is desperately seeking a local deals site, mostly for the local ad revenue it can provide. A New York Post insider is reporting that Google is in talks with two, smaller Groupon rivals. Of those mentioned are LivingSocial and BuyWithMe, a New York social shopping service.

Google has reason to be a bit unnerved lately. Not only did Groupon give them the Heisman but Groupon also recently announced the hiring of Jason Child, a former Amazon bigwig, as the new Groupon CFO. To some, this signals a major step forward and a possbile IPO. In addition, eBay recently launched their local shopping service, GiftsNearby, taking advantage of their flurry of acquisitions and seriously bolstering their standing in the social shopping world.

It seems that Google showed up to party late, and all that's left are a few cheese doodles and light beer.