Google rumoured to be buying Akamai

Shares of Akamai Technologies jumped more than 11 percent following a report that it was close to being acquired by Google.

Akamai, whose service improves the performance of websites, is nearing a deal with search giant Google, according to the late Wednesday report by technology blog Business Insider citing "multiple ad tech sources" who were not identified.

Representatives from Google and Akamai said the companies do not comment on rumours.

Akamai, whose shares closed Wednesday's regular session down 57 percent from their 52-week high of $US54.65, is a long-running subject of takeover rumours.

Last week, there were reports that the company could be acquired by Verizon or IBM, said Mark Kelleher, an analyst with Dougherty & Co.

"Ever since I can remember there's been theories of who could come in and acquire Akamai," he said.