EU sets deadline for decision on Google, Motorola

The European Commission on Thursday set a February 13 deadline for its decision on whether or not it will approve Google's acquisition of Motorola. The fixed date came after Google brought forward documents requested during a temporary freeze of its approval process. EC staff haven't given clues as how they might rule and are likely to remain silent on their opinion until the ruling.

Concerns have existed that Google, which is already facing a possible EU antitrust case, would use Motorola to further consolidate power in Android and search. Android partners like HTC and Samsung have professed support for the Motorola merger as protecting Android from patents, but each was given boilerplate responses from Google that suggested they weren't consulted.

Google has also admitted that it would like the extra control over hardware that comes with a Motorola pact.

Whether or not the EC clears the deal, it will still wait on US approval before it can finalize. [via Reuters]

By Electronista Staff