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Google bows before Europe for Motorola's hand in marriage

EC's approval needed in $12.5bn buy-up quest

Google has applied to the European Commission for regulatory approval for its acquisition of Motorola Mobility.

Back in August, the Chocolate Factory announced its plans to snap up the smartphone maker for $12.5bn, but it needs permission from a number of groups before the deal can go through.

The web giant got through one potential stumbling block when Motorola Mobility Holdings shareholders agreed to the merger at a special meeting on November 17, but it still needs the nod from the US Department of Justice and the European Commission.

The European Commission said today on its website that Google had applied for permission on November 25 and it gave a provisional deadline of January 10 for its answer.

Googorola has already put its application in for DoJ approval as well, but the department asked for more time to consider the deal on September 28.

Although the two firms would no doubt like to get on with the merger as soon as possible, Google implied it was totally laid-back about the DoJ hold-up when it was announced.

"While this means we won't be closing right away, we're confident that the DOJ will conclude that the rapidly growing mobile ecosystem will remain highly competitive after this deal closes. We'll be working closely and cooperatively with them as they continue their review," Dennis Woodside, senior VP, said in a blog post. ®

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