In what was deemed a ‘difficult decision’ the FTC has let Google clear the regulatory hurdle needed to OK the purchase of AdMob. One of the unlikely thank you notes that Google can send out in getting this decision is to Apple since the FTC their acquisition of Quattro Wireless and the introduction of iAd as two factors that exhibited sufficient competition to Google in this space.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has closed its investigation into the $750 million Google/AdMob buyout and given a green light to the deal. The reason is simple: Apple, Apple, and more Apple. In its official statement (PDF), the FTC mentions "Apple" 10 times in a page and half, all because of Apple's own decision to launch a mobile ad network called iAd.

In the regulatory equivalent of a suprise switcheroo, the Federal Trade Commission announced that it had officially closed its investigation of the $750 million AdMob deal with Google, which had been at risk over the past months, citing adequate competition in the mobile advertising market, especially from Apple.

Although Apple’s conveniently doing all it can to tout iAds, Google may still be facing an inquiry from the FTC as the search giant looks to buy its way into the mobile advertising market. Google announced its acquisition of AdMob six months ago, but it looks like the regulatory committee has its sights on Google as final approval has not been forthcoming.