Internet giants to launch joint online retail initiatives

Two of the internet’s best known names joined forces today in an agreement that will see Google sell advertising for auction site eBay outside the US.

The pair have also moved to bring “click-and-call” technology to a wider audience, as uers will be able to click on a link or icon to initiate an internet voice call with eBay retailers or Google advertisers.

The service will allow consumers to phone a firm via eBay’s Skype service and Google Talk.

The two compaies plan to begin testing the text-based advertising and click-to-call initiatives early next year.

President and chief executive of eBay Meg Whitman said: “People continue to evolve how they shop, communicate and advertise online.

“By combining the power of eBay in e-commerce and Skype in communications with Google’s leadership in search and advertising, we can increase the usefulness of the internet for shoppers, merchants and advertisers around the world.”

EBay bought Skype last year, while Google has set up its own messaging and internet-based telephone service Google Talk.

In May, eBay announced a deal with Yahoo for it to provide all its advertising in the United States.

The companies said the financial terms for certain components of the deal involved revenues sharing, but did not disclose specific details.