Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion

Story from The Takeaway. Listen to audio above for full report.

In the largest wireless equipment deal in at least a decade, Google will acquire Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion in cash. The deal exponentially increases Google’s patent portfolio and makes the company far more competitive in the mobile phone market.

Google currently owns and operates Android, and today’s deal is expected to give the smart phone the patents it needs to compete against Apple iPhone.

John Abell, New York bureau chief for Wired.com believes the deal with be good for Google. But, “whether it’s good for America, who knows.”

“My opinion is that it is good for Google,” John Abell, New York bureau chief for Wired.com, told The Takeaway. “Whether it’s good for America, who knows.”

According to The New York Times, Google’s offer is the largest it has made to-date for an acquisition.

Read more about the Google-Motorola deal on The New York Times website.

—————————————————————

“The Takeaway” is a national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.