Google hovers as Baidu readies IPO

"As Baidu.com Inc. nears an initial public offering in the U.S., the company appears to be drawing a close look from Google Inc., which sources said could have an interest in acquiring the Chinese Internet search leader. "

"According to published reports in China, Google CEO Eric Schmidt was in Beijing last week meeting with Baidu officials. Mountain View, Calif.-based Google has a 4% stake in the company, and it is unclear whether Schmidt's visit was connected to that investment or other business."

[TheDeal.com]