Google Loves Apple’s Quattro Deal

Google took time from its superphone frenzy yesterday to applaud something a competitor did: The search giant lead a public cheer for Apple (AAPL), which just bought mobile ad network Quattro.

Google’s logic here is straightforward: If other big companies are buying mobile ad networks, then Washington can’t possibly be upset with us for buying AdMob.

And note that Google (GOOG) is also cheering on other mobile ad network mergers and acquisitions that have yet to happen but that the industry now expects, especially from rival Microsoft (MSFT). From Google’s Public Policy Blog:

Today’s news that Apple is acquiring one of AdMob’s competitors, Quattro Wireless, is further proof that the mobile advertising space continues to be competitive. And with more investments and acquisitions in the space, including from established players like Apple and Google, that’s a sign that vigorous growth and competition will continue. That’s ultimately great for users, advertisers and publishers alike.

Of course, there’s only one player here with a dominant lead in Web advertising, so only one of them is going to get significant regulatory scrutiny, no matter how many more deals we see.

Anyway, if Google is looking for other arguments to appease the Feds, how about this one: You can’t monopolize a market that doesn’t exist yet. And while everyone’s sure that mobile advertising will be a big deal one day, it won’t be for a while.

Meanwhile, check out this great “slow clap” montage!