Google acquires Motorola Mobility

Android creator Google has announced the acquisition of smartphone manufacturer Motorola Mobility for $12.5bn.

That’s a premium of 63 per cent over the company’s closing share price last week.

The move gives Google direct access to smartphone manufacturing and more immediate control over the design and production of future Android handsets. Motorola Mobility is to continue operating independently and will remain an Android licensee.

Google has also vowed that Android will continue to be an open-platform mobile OS.

Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies,” Google CEO Larry Page stated.

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.”

Google’s senior VP of mobile Andy Rubin added: 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.”