Google buys Zagat to bolster local services

Google Inc has acquired Zagat Survey LLC, the review and ratings service, to add features aimed at local businesses and advertisers. Zagat brings an array of reviews of hotels, restaurants, shopping and other categories, the company said in a blog post today. The service, which offers both printed and online reviews and ratings, was founded more than 30 years ago. “Moving forward, Zagat will be a cornerstone of our local offering — delighting people with their impressive array of reviews, ratings and insights, while enabling people everywhere to find extraordinary (and ordinary) experiences around the corner and around the world,” said VP, local, maps and location services.