On Monday, Internet search giant Google announced that it is purchasing well-known handset maker Motorola Mobility for a staggering $12.5 billion.
Pending regulatory approval, the acquisition will kickstart Google’s initial efforts in the hardware business – not a bad move considering Google’s Android has rapidly become one of the world’s biggest smartphone operating systems.
Google says the acquisition of Motorola Mobility will “supercharge Android, enhance competition, and offer wonderful user experiences.”
“Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies,” Google CEO Larry Page said. “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.”
“This transaction offers significant value for Motorola Mobility’s stockholders and provides compelling new opportunities for our employees, customers, and partners around the world,” added Sanjay Jha, CEO of Motorola Mobility.
“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.”
Google plans to run Motorola Mobility as a separate business, which will remain a licensee of Android.