© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: The Google LLC logo is seen at the Google Store Chelsea in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 17, 2021. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo
(Reuters) – Alphabet-owned Google (NASDAQ) said on Tuesday it will cut jobs at Waze, which integrates the app’s advertising system with Google’s ad technology, without giving details of the number of layoffs.
“In order to create a better, more seamless long-term experience for Waze advertisers, we are beginning to port the existing Waze ad platform to Google Ads technology. As part of this update, we have reduced those roles that focus on monetizing Waze ads,” said Google, which acquired Google Ads. Waze for $1.3 billion in 2013.
Google said in December that it would merge the Waze and Google Maps teams to unify operations, making it part of the Google Geo division, its portfolio of photorealistic mapping products that includes Google Maps, Google Earth and Street View.
The news was first reported by CNBC earlier today, citing an email from Chris Phillips, who leads the Geo division. He said Google would notify advertisers and partners of the move on Wednesday.