Internet search giant Google is in talks to acquire the popular online video site YouTube for about $1.6 billion in cash and stock, according to published reports quoted by an Associated Press report.
Google and YouTube are still at a sensitive stage in the discussion, The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times reported on their Web sites, citing unnamed people familiar with the negotiations.
The Associated Press report also said the blog TechCrunch had reported on rumors of the acquisition talks.
Google and YouTube officials declined comment, the report said.
The Associated Press report said analysts believe a Google acquisition of YouTube would make sense for both companies if the reported talks lead to a deal, especially considering Google's $10 billion in cash on hand.
'It's damn cheap for a company that already has a global presence,' Trip Chowdhry, an analyst with the San Francisco-based Global Equities Research was quoted as saying. 'YouTube's brand identity is no less than Google's and is no less than Coke's.'
As YouTube's popularity continues to soar, she said, Google can help make sure the site's infrastructure can keep pace.
The acquisition would also immediately propel Google to the top of the online video heap, the report also said.