The notification of the proposed takeover of Motorola Mobility by internet giant Google with European antitrust authorities is expected to come soon.
It is understood that Google hopes to receive clearance by the European Commission before the Christmas…
The notification of the proposed takeover of Motorola Mobility by internet giant Google with European antitrust authorities is expected to come soon.
It is understood that Google hopes to receive clearance by the European Commission before the Christmas break.
To stick with this schedule the companies will have to file with the Brussels based regulator within the next two weeks, assuming the investigation will not be extended.
According to European merger regulation, a phase I merger control procedure lasts 25 working days and can be extended to 35 working days if the companies offer commitments in due course of this investigation.
If the EC decided to open an in depth phase II investigation, a further 90 working days would be added to the schedule, taking the review well into Q1 2012.
It is understood that the merging parties do not believe that remedies are necessary. They do not expect the regulator to oppose the companies’ view that Motorola’s patent portfolio is essential for Google to compete efficiently in the mobile phones sector.
Assuming clearance after a 25 working day phase I procedure, the last day for notification is 18 November if the companies expect clearance before the Christmas break. The European Commission is closed for business from 23 December until the end of the year.
The US review of the transaction is ongoing and has already received a second request form US authorities. Notification with Chinese MOFCOM is outstanding.
