Apple, Google Vie for Start-Ups

Google Inc. (GOOG) and Apple Inc. (AAPL), which have long thrived without treading on one another’s turf, are vying to acquire some of the same Silicon Valley start-ups and developing products that put themselves in more direct competition.

Google was in serious discussions to acquire online-music company La La Media Inc. before Apple won the deal this month for $85 million, people familiar with the matter said.

Apple also pursued a deal for mobile-advertising company AdMob Inc. say people familiar with the matter; Google agreed to buy the start-up in November for $750 million.

A Google spokesman declined to comment.