Google in “preliminary talks” to acquire Hulu

The LA Times reports that Google is in preliminary talks to acquire the online video service, Hulu. Google, in addition to companies also involved – Microsoft and Yahoo, would use this purchase to extend their current online video offerings. Google, of course, is the company behind YouTube. Google would also use this Hulu purchase to extend the range of content offered on YouTube, namely in a push for more professionally produced content, something that Hulu manages to accomplish very well.

Google, which has had a testy relationship with Hollywood, is making a major push to add professionally produced content to its mix of user-created videos on YouTube. It has hired industry veterans to help the Internet search giant make inroads and strike deals.

Hulu is in a prime position for a sale as it has recently signed new licensing agreements with programming heavyweights, Disney and News Corp.  Exact details of the possible Hulu purchase by Google are yet to be revealed: this includes any sort of public confirmation from the companies about the talks and terms of the deal.