GOOGLE’S acquisition of dMarc, the US radio advertising group, could lead to cheaper ads for companies, according to sources.

The internet search engine highlighted its ambition to expand beyond its core business by acquiring dMarc for up to $1.2 billion (£680 million) this week. Google could now offer “bundled packages” to American advertisers that manage their entire marketing campaigns through the company. Google is considering similar acquisitions outside the US. It could eventually bring its “bundled packages” to the UK.

The company’s latest deal comes after last year’s purchase of advertising space in technology magazines to resell online ads to clients. With about $6 billion in cash on its books, Google is rapidly expanding into new areas of business. It aims to become a “one-stop shop” for advertisers. An industry source said that Google could eventually pose a threat to the media-buying industry.

Rival internet companies have simultaneously come under pressure after a flurry of disappointing news. Yahoo! disappointed Wall Street this week despite a near doubling of fourth-quarter profits to $683 million. The internet group’s shares closed down 12 per cent at $35.18 on Wednesday after its earnings per share fell short of analysts’ expectations. The group’s shares were up 8c in early trade yesterday.

EBay was dragged lower in after-hours trading on Wednesday, despite hitting forecasts, after it failed to increase its guidance. However, the online auction group’s shares were boosted by broker upgrades yesterday, rising 4 per cent to $79.12 in early trade.

On Tuesday Intel, the world’s largest computer chip maker, reported quarterly figures that fell short of Wall Street expectations.

On Wednesday Apple’s second-quarter outlook came in short of analysts’ expectations.

• Independent International Investment Research has temporarily abandoned its use of the G-Mail brand for its foreign exchange service in the face of Google’s determination to use the name Gmail for its e-mail service. The AIM-listed group said that its move was a “tactical withdrawal because Google wants to . . . make it expensive for us to protect our trademark”. The group plans to continue legal action against Google.

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