Google gives Mozilla lifeline as it renews Firefox deal

Google has renewed a deal to remain the default search engine within Mozilla's Firefox web browser. The non-profit foundation said it had "negotiated a significant and mutually beneficial revenue agreement" with Google for the next three years. Some analysts had predicted Google would back out of the deal as it tries to grow the market share of its Chrome browser. Mozilla relies heavily on the income generated by search partnerships. "Under this multi-year agreement, Google Search will continue to be the default search provider for hundreds of millions of Firefox users around the world," said Gary Kovacs, Mozilla's chief executive. Alan Eustace, Google's senior vice-president of search, said: "Mozilla has been a valuable partner to Google over the years and we look forward to continuing this great partnership in the years to come." The foundation said the exact terms of the deal would not be disclosed. In its accounts for 2010, the Mozilla Foundation said it earned $121.1m (£77m) from agreements with Google, Microsoft and others. The Google agreement was thought to make up about 85% of that amount.