Interestingly most acquisitions (generally, not specific to Google or tech) don't work out and managing growth on that scale is a significant challenge in itsel

Interestingly most acquisitions (generally, not specific to Google or tech) don't work out and managing growth on that scale is a significant challenge in itself. I work for a highly acquisitive company and while we're no Google, I can tell you, as often as not the whole thing is a damn mess which does little but drive staff turnover. The theoretical synergies are great but for the most part they're very hard to realise and the hard work starts with the purchase rather than ends with it. The occasional crazy / interesting acquisition I think is a good sign but I'm not sure that it's a list you want to be top of.