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Google, the internet search giant, is planning a £9bn shares float next March.

The search engine which deals with nearly 150 million inquiries a day is also considering bypassing investment banks to sell the shares directly to investors using an online auction system.

Unlike many companies floated at the height of the dotcom boom, Google is a profitable business making an estimated £90m annually.

Its loyal user base and the sale of sponsored links to advertisers are regarded as the key to its success.