Google acquires Motorola Mobility in bid to 'supercharge' Android
1 min read
Google has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Motorola Mobility in a bid to 'supercharge' its Android mobile operating system and build up its patent portfolio. The $12.5billion acquisition is the search giant's biggest to date.
"Motorola Mobility's total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies," said Google ceo, Larry Page. "Together, we will create amazing user experiences that supercharge the entire Android ecosystem for the benefit of consumers, partners and developers. I look forward to welcoming Motorolans to our family of Googlers."
The deal represents Google's biggest challenge yet to Apple, which has led the way in the smartphone and tablet markets with the iPhone and iPad. In a blog posting, Page commented that the acquisition would strengthen Google's patent portfolio and enable it to better protect Android from 'anti competitive threats' from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.
The ceo also stated that the acquisition would not change Google's commitment to run Android as an open platform. "Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. We will run Motorola as a separate business," he said.
The deal is expected to close by the end of 2011 or early 2012, pending regulatory approval.
