Not sure about an acquisition? Take Google’s toothbrush test

Google loves making an acquisition. This year alone it’s made 24. But would you believe us if we told you chief executive Larry Page uses a toothbrush to decide whether to gobble up a company or not. Well, it’s true. Sort of. 

 

The New York Times has revealed Page has something called “the toothbrush test,” which he trusts above traditional measures such as profitability and sales. It involved the following question: Is it something you will use once or twice a day and does it make your life better? 

 

“Bankers can be helpful, but they’re not necessarily core to the discussions,” Google’s Donald Harrison told the NYT of Page’s decision making. 

 

We’re not sure how Wall Street banks feel about being usurped by a toothbrush.