Google's Motorola takeover suspended by European Commission

Google’s takeover of Motorola Mobility has hit a stumbling block as the European Commission (EC) has suspended its review of the merger.

An EC spokesperson confirmed to Telecoms.com that it “needs certain documents from Google that are essential to its evaluation of the transaction”.

The EC was set to make a decision on Google’s bid to acquire the business on January 10, but has suspended that deadline until it receives the necessary information. Upon receiving it, it will re-start the clock and publish a new Phase I deadline on its website.

Google responded to the news claiming the request for more information was “routine”.

“We’re confident the commission will conclude that this acquisition is good for competition and we’ll be working closely and cooperatively with them as they continue their review,” a Google spokesperson told Telecoms.com.

Google announced the $12.5bn deal in August with the primary purpose being to enhance its patent portfolio as the company and its Android hardware manufacturers have been embroiled in legal disputes with rivals such as Apple.

Most recently, Motorola Mobility won a ruling in a German court against Apple that could see Apple’s iPad and iPhone devices banned in the country.