Since Google began in 1998, it has become the most popular search engine in the world, launched the ubiquitous Android software, and even offers its own superfast broadband network. And along the way it has also spent billions on technology startups and websites. A designer has created an infographic showing the firm’s most expensive acquisitions, and the strategy behind these purchases - as well as predicting which companies the tech giant could buy next. The graphic (pictured) plots Google’s 10 most expensive acquisitions and the year the purchase was made. The cheapest, relatively speaking, was for  SkyBox Imaging, in June last year. In ninth place is Dropcam, bought for $555 million (£366 million) also in June 2014
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Since 1998, Google has spent $24.5 billion (£16.2 billion) on 10 companies
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This figures does not include smaller purchases and investments
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Companies include YouTube, Motorola, NestLabs and SkyBox Imaging
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The most expensive deal was $12.5 billion (£8.2 billion) for Motorola
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Google has since retired its Postini service, and sold Motorola to Lenovo
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Experts predict Spotify and Netflix could be the next potential targets
Nest and @placeholder both help Google develop its strategy to connect people’s smart homes.