The latest word on the Google-Motorola Mobility merger
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While the waiting period has expired in China and in the U.S., both countries have informed Motorola that they have not completed their respective investigation. Last month, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that it had started Phase 2 of its investigation of the deal. While there hasn't been much media coverage of any objection to Google buying Motorola Mobility like there was with the never completed $39 billion proposed purchase of T-Mobile by AT&T, there have been consumer groups in Europe writing to European Union to try to get the deal stopped while in the U.S., Consumer Watchdog has also written to the EU to ask them to scrap the merger.
Consumer Watchdog has written several letters accusing Google of being in bed with the U.S. Government. They also have made several videos (see below) criticizing Google's Chairman, Eric Schmidt. Part of their letter to the EU reads, "Allowing the Motorola Mobility deal would provide Google with unprecedented dominance in virtually all aspects of the mobile world – manufacturing, operating systems, search and advertising. It would be a virtually unstoppable juggernaut. We urge the Commission to block the proposed $12.5 billion deal." Despite these objections, Motorola Mobility still expects the deal to close early this year, but does say that factors outside of its control can delay or scrap the deal altogether.
The entire letter from the consumer advocacy group to the EU can be read by clicking on this link.
source: AndroidandMe
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17 Comments
1. AhmadAlsayegh posted on 28 Jan 2012, 00:10 1 1
I was expecting a comment from PA on the issue above?
are you with or against?
11. roscuthiii posted on 28 Jan 2012, 11:18 0 0
I'd prefer they remain objective and have no real stance. Maybe a few editorials/opinion pieces from their staff but as a limited presence and presenting opposing viewpoints, but no actual hard stance from the site itself.
2. davidvvassallo posted on 28 Jan 2012, 01:46 3 0
Why cant they just buy it. Why do they need approvals from countries?
3. remixfa posted on 28 Jan 2012, 04:07 2 2
i was wondering the same thing. my only guess is that they have offices/factories in those countries that require approval.
14. TKFox007 posted on 28 Jan 2012, 13:20 0 0
I think it's because of Google and Motorola, while being American companies, serve a world wide consumer basis.
Unlike the AT&T/T-Mobile deal, both companies only served America so only the only people that needed to approve it was the US Department of Justice, even though T-Mobile is owned by a German company.
4. darac posted on 28 Jan 2012, 07:01 4 0
I wonder what the author of that " virtually unstoppable Juggernaut " complaint thinks about apple then.
or the aspects of Microsoft - Nokia alliance?
if this deal doesn't go through, I'm afraid soon there won't be Motorola mobility to begin with!
because this despicable apple madness is destroying companies capable of creating some great products.
I say, bring on Google Juggernaut!
6. dsDoan posted on 28 Jan 2012, 07:51 0 0
Apple isn't a hardware manufacturer, so you can't compare Apple to Google + Motorola.
That aside, I also welcome the purchase.
8. jroc74 posted on 28 Jan 2012, 08:22 1 2
Ok...the iPhone is made up of parts from LG, Samsung and probably others. But they still make the phone overall.
Motorola phones are made from other parts too: Amoled screen from Samsung, LCD screen was from LG or Sony? Dont really know. T.I chip, qualcomm chips..but they still make the phone overall.
I think darac has a valid point. Apple makes the OS for the iPhone, so what will be the difference when this deal is final? And Apple does other things besides mobile phones, Motorola does too.
10. dsDoan posted on 28 Jan 2012, 08:48 0 0
The difference is that Apple and Google do not touch the hardware. Motorola does. Apple does not own a manufacturer that makes their products (Not literally, anyway).
5. bikingpadres posted on 28 Jan 2012, 07:26 0 0
I agree with you Motorola Mobility might need that extra boost from Google to stay afloat
7. MorePhonesThanNeeded posted on 28 Jan 2012, 08:02 1 0
Sometimes I wonder about what in the hell these Consumer Watchdog advocate groups are really about. Like what are they doing about other real problems with mobile communications? Like the fact that something smells bad with the whole Lightsquared problem. Not be be cynical but I feel that these groups are basically full of crap and always sell out to the highest bidder. Seems like they are in someone's back pocket. Google in bed with the U.S. Government...what else is new, what company isn't or hasn't been in bed with the U.S. Government?
"Allowing the Motorola Mobility deal would provide Google with unprecedented dominance in virtually all aspects of the mobile world – manufacturing, operating systems, search and advertising. It would be a virtually unstoppable juggernaut. " What sort of trash is this? Google's OS is open source and the make no money off the OS...watchdog my ass don't even know what the hell they are even talking about. Hey as long as it is beneficial to the jobs market and allows Motorola to continue to remain viable let it roll. This wouldn't magically make Google a juggernaut in the mobile arena...that's just crap. If Google bought Samsung or partnered with Apple now that is what you would call a juggernaut. This is just a good business investment, with all the giant companies who have much greater presence in different outlets Google all of a sudden is a threat. Perhaps it's because Google is basically the youngest company to rocket to such unprecedented levels of profitability? Envious? Don't think that grown men and women are above such petty emotions, in fact it's why we get into wars and all sorts of disagreements on global scales.
13. DOGIEFRESH posted on 28 Jan 2012, 12:52 0 0
That transaction should be denied since the goverment is sticking their nose in companies business....!!!
15. dragonscourgex posted on 28 Jan 2012, 14:10 0 0
I find it funny how deals such as ATT/Tmobile Goolge/Motorola are called anit competitive, but Apple going around the world trying to banned the only OS able to stand toe to toe with them from the market places is not. I personal welcome the deal. I would love to see what Google would be able to do when they can cut out some of the red tape and actually build the phones like they want.
16. bikingpadres posted on 29 Jan 2012, 08:12 0 0
I just don't want Motorola to go off the market so I guess I could lean either way
17. blacksmith posted on 29 Jan 2012, 18:11 0 0
I personally don't see a problem with it. after all, RIM does the same thing. they make their own OS, desktop software, devices and network (BBM, AppWorld, etc). I don't see this as a threat at all.
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