Inc. Technology » Not So Fast!: DoJ Has Questions on Google-Motorola Deal

Not So Fast!: DoJ Has Questions on Google-Motorola Deal

Posted By Sonya Donaldson On September 30, 2011 @ 1:23 pm In Internet and Online Business,Telecom and Wireless | No Comments

The U.S. Department of Justice has a lot of questions for tech companies these days. This time, it’s taking a second look at Google ^[1]’s proposed $12.5 billion takeover of Motorola Mobility ^[2], which could delay the purchase. The acquisition would give the company access to valuable Motorola’s patents. And as the patent wars heat up, it’s a delay Google can ill afford.

Some might say that the U.S. Department of Justice is finally doing its job. Google is just one of several companies that is receiving extra scrutiny as the tech landscape shifts dramatically. The DoJ recently filed suit ^[3] to block the proposed $39 billion AT&T acquisition of T-Mobile, arguing that it violates antitrust law.

While Google’s senior VP Dennis Woodside says the agency’s request is “routine,” there are actually “very few” second-look requests for takeover deals, says TG Daily’s Emma Woollacott.