Google has acquired Zagat, the preeminent name in restaurant reviews. The price on this dead-tree-to-digital deal wasn’t revealed, but a few years ago Zagat put itself on the block for around $200 million. The move is clearly part of Google’s mission to improve its local offerings. Google previously failed to buy Yelp and obviously sees the need to bulk up its local info in the age of smart phones and location-based services. Once thing’s for sure: founders Tim and Nina Zagat have solved the problem of how to make an effective digital transition and will be able to eat at all the nicest restaurants for the rest of their lives. “We couldn’t be happier to see our baby placed into such good hands and are looking forward to being Googlers in the years ahead,” the Zagats said. Not to be outdone, Marissa Mayer, Google’s top executive for local services, penned a haiku: “Delightful deal done; Zagat and Google now one; foodies have more fun!” Source: The New York Times