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Arthur Frommer takes brand back from Google, will keep guidebooks going

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Arthur Frommer reportedly takes back brand from Google, will keep guidebooks going

The tale of Google and Frommer's famed travel guides has taken another twist this evening. Associated Press writer Beth Harpaz reports Arthur Frommer confirmed over the phone that he has retaken control of the brand from Google, and plans to continue publishing them in e-book and print formats, as well as maintaining the Frommers.com website. This comes after Google acquired the brand from publisher Wiley in 2012, followed by Skift.com's revelation last month that it apparently intended to shut production of the books down.

We're told by a Google spokesperson (check after the break for the full statement) that it has integrated the content acquired from Frommer's and Wiley into its products including Google+ Local, but returned the brand to the founder and will continue licensing "certain content" to him. Why things took this circuitous route right back to the man who started it all back in 1957 is unknown and terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but we're sure fans of the budget travel how-tos are happy to see Frommer's keep going.

[Image credit: Frommer's, Facebook]

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Via: Skift

Source: Associated Press

Google reportedly halts print editions of Frommer’s guidebooks

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Google reportedly halts Frommer's printed guidebooks altogether

Were we really expecting a different outcome? Several months after Google bought Frommer's to bolster its location efforts, Skift hears that the iconic travel guide maker has completely stopped publication of print editions as its focus swings to the online realm. Authors say that many of their scheduled Frommer's books now won't be published; a few say their contracts were simply delayed, but the usual raft of guides that would show at this time of year just haven't materialized. We've reached out to Google to confirm what's going on, although the writing may have been on the wall when the bookstore disappeared from the Frommer's site in September. If true, many travelers will have to either switch to rival guides or use Google's digital parallels to learn what's interesting in a strange new land.

[Image credit: Caitlin Regan, Flickr]

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Source: Skift

WSJ: Google set to acquire Frommer’s from Wiley, add trusted travel reviews

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WSJ Google set to acquire Frommer's from Wiley, add trusted travel reviewsJust one year after its Zagat acquisition, Google has made a move on another trusted lifestyle brand. John Wiley & Sons Inc., the current owner of the Frommer's network of travel sites and guide books, confirmed the Mountain View acquisition, with a closing expected shortly. According to The Wall Street Journal, Google hasn't made a call concerning Frommer's printed guidebooks, which don't necessarily fall in line with the company's otherwise online-only model. It's also unclear whether or not the new content arm will fall under Zagat's leadership, though a department executive did comment on the acquisition in an interview, saying that Google planned to keep Frommer's on its current path for the time being. Neither company was able to confirm pricing for the buyout, which could help Google boost its reviews portfolio, backing user-submitted travel content with professional credibility. Full details are at the source link below.

Update: As it turns out, Google will reportedly be keeping the print staff on board, moving the team to its NYC offices. Online editors are less fortunate, however, with layoffs having already begun.

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WSJ: Google set to acquire Frommer's from Wiley, add trusted travel reviews originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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