Well now it appears that Google is getting quite serious when it comes to the Android platform and the constant treat from rival Apple when it comes to patent infringement lawsuits, as the word is the Google guys are purchasing Motorola probably in a bid to stand up to rivals and their patent disputes.
According to the official Google Blog, Google CEO Larry Page writes that the acquisition with not change Google’s commitment to Android and Motorola will remain a licensee and will be run as a separate business.
And also confirms that “Our acquisition of Motorola will increase competition by strengthening Google’s patent portfolio, which will enable us to better protect Android from anti-competitive threats from Microsoft, Apple and other companies.”
According to the Google Investor Relations site, Google will shell out $40 per share in cash that will amount to roughly $12.5 billion, which is a 63 percent premium to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares as of close of play on Friday the 12th of August.
The CEO of Motorola Mobility, Sanjay Jha says, “This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world. We have shared a productive partnership with Google to advance the Android platform, and now through this combination we will be able to do even more to innovate and deliver outstanding mobility solutions across our mobile devices and home businesses.”
While the senior vice president of Mobile at Google, Andy Rubin says, “We expect that this combination will enable us to break new ground for the Android ecosystem. However, our vision for Android is unchanged and Google remains firmly committed to Android as an open platform and a vibrant open source community. We will continue to work with all of our valued Android partners to develop and distribute innovative Android-powered devices.”
Of course the acquisition is subject to approval by the US regulators along with the EU, Motorola Mobility stockholders and other jurisdictions, but the transition is expected to become final by the end of this year or early next.
So, what do our readers think about Google acquiring Motorola, a good move so Android has more patent punch against the likes of Apple and Microsoft, or do you think Google should have remained separate from Motorola?