Google owns the Android operating system and became a publicly traded corporation in 2004 after its IPO.
Google's initial public offering took place in August 2004. The company used a distinctive Dutch auction process for allocating shares, and its stock began trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol GOOG.
Google acquired Android in 2005, helping the company expand from web search and advertising into mobile software. Android later became the world's most widely deployed mobile operating system by device reach.
Google is now a subsidiary of Alphabet, which was established in 2015. Consequently, market-capitalization lists usually name Alphabet as the public parent, although Google remains the best-known operating business and brand.