Google not only posted higher-than-expected third- quarter profits but also confirmed it was seeking major acquisitions.

“We’re open for business in making strategic acquisitions, both large and small,” said chief executive Eric Schmidt.

Google executives said large advertisers were more eager to spend on search ads in the third quarter and consumers shopped more online, helping the company post its strongest revenue growth since 2007.

Net income was $1.64 billion compared with $1.29 billion a year earlier.