It was reported last week that Google was poised to snatch up user generated review site Yelp for $550 million. It would have been a lovely acquisition and mashup with Google Maps, but something happened over the weekend to derail talks indefinitely.
TechCrunch is citing multiple sources saying Jeremy Stoppleman simply walked away from the deal, but the reason why remains to be seen. TC postulates that a strategic partnership could be brewing allowing Yelp to remain independent for now.