Google Inc. may be on the verge of closing the biggest deal in its 13-year history -- one that will escalate competition with Apple Inc.
Its $12.5-billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility got approval from U.S. and European antitrust regulators Monday, bringing it significantly closer to manufacturing phones, tablets and other consumer devices such as a home entertainment system for the first time.
A Google spokeswoman declined to comment but said the Internet search giant hopes to close the deal early this year.
Although officials in Washington and Brussels concluded that the Motorola deal would not stifle competition, U.S. and European regulators warned they would monitor to make sure none takes place.
Google is looking to Motorola's more than 17,000 patents to help shield it in the escalating patent battles surrounding its Android operating system. Google has pledged to license Motorola patents if the deal is approved. There is growing concern that patent holders are increasingly using their portfolios as bludgeons to stop other companies from using smartphone technology.Read more in LA times
