Google acquires KikScore

Google has beefed up its online retailing smarts by acquiring KikScore, a US company that ascribes scores to e-commerce businesses based on their level of reputation and trustworthiness, writes The Register.

The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, is a Google acquire- and-shutdown special with the service being discontinued from 28 June.

Under the terms of the deal, Google bought KikScore's service, platform, technology and other assets but will not be taking on staff or management. The patent-pending online reputation company has over 1 700 small business customers.

As of now, KikScore is now recommending its customers sign up with Google's Trusted Store service, even though the two services are slightly different in their nature, states The Next Web.

Rolled out in October last year, Google's Trusted Store program is designed to provide businesses and merchants with online 'seals of approval' that help shoppers identify if they can be trusted.

Businesses must adhere to strict shopping and customer service guidelines, displaying a dedicated seal (or badge) on their site.

Google also provides a free purchase protection service that helps consumers resolve billing, shipping or return problems.