Google Pays $12.5B For Motorola's Cell Phone Business - And Its Patents

Well, it's a huge move but not uneexpexted. Motorola had embraced Android. Now that was a smart move. The recent multibillion dollar deal or Nortel patents was a wake-up call too.

Google, ticker GOOG on the NYSE, and Motorola Mobility Holdings, MMI, have just announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $40.00 per share in cash, or a total of about $12.5 billion.

That is a premium of 63% to the closing price of Motorola Mobility shares on Friday.

"The acquisition of Motorola Mobility, a dedicated Android partner, will enable Google to supercharge the Android ecosystem and will enhance competition in mobile computing. Motorola Mobility will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. Google will run Motorola Mobility as a separate business."
 
Larry Page: “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.”