Google confirms Motorola buyout that will see the search giant back up its Android OS with high-end custom hardware
Google has agreed to a $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola as the search engine giant looks to further cement its position in the mobile market and actively compete with Apple on the software and hardware front.
The deal, which will see Google pay $40 (£24.50) in cash per share of Motorola, marks a game changing moment in the mobile and smartphone industry with the $12.5 billion (£7.66 billion) buyout marking a 63 per cent increase on the closing price of Motorola shares on Friday.
“Motorola Mobility’s total commitment to Android has created a natural fit for our two companies,” said Google CEO Larry Page. “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.”
Whilst the buyout will no doubt have some concerned that Google will cease supporting Android on other handsets following its Motorola acquisition the company’s Senior Vice President of Mobile, Andy Rubin has spoken out to reassure users of the OS.
“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.”