Google announced today that they have entered a definitive agreement to acquire Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc. for $40.00 dollars per share which roughly translates to $12.5 billion dollars, USD.
Motorola Mobility is already a Android partner, Google’s operating system for small form factor devices such as cell phones and other hand-held devices. Motorola is a well-known cellular juggernaut with an extensive patent portfolio.
Larry Page, CEO of Google, said, “Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies. 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.”
Andy Rubin, Senior Vice President of Mobile at Google, said, “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.”
Over at HTC and other Android partners it seems that they are pleased with Google stepping up to bat against Apple Inc. which is legally perusing several of Google’s Android partners. The general hope is that Motorola’s patents will aid in helping dismiss some legal claims against Android partners.
