Antitrust approvals hailed

By Bao Chang (China Daily) Updated: 2012-12-28 09:37

Chinese antitrust authorities approved Google Inc's acquisition of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc with conditions attached in May, clearing the barrier for the search engine giant to grow its mobile business in the market with the world's largest number of smartphone users.

The ministry ruled that Google should keep its open-source Android model on a free and open basis.

Google made a commitment to the ministry that it will continue to license the use of the Android platform on a free and open basis, and treat all equipment manufacturers fairly.

Google should continue to observe Motorola Mobility's obligations on patents in its currently fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory manner, the ministry said.

Google announced in 2011 that it would purchase Motorola Mobility, the Illinois-based maker of mobile devices and other hardware, for about $12.5 billion.

Google was asked to submit a report to the ministry every six months within the five-year term.

Shang said the economic crisis is actually an opportunity for enterprises to implement merger and acquisition activity, adding that amid the financial crisis, M&A cases are increasing rather than declining.

In reviewing anti-monopoly activities, Shang also vowed to strengthen international cooperation on antitrust work, emphasizing that China and the United States have broadened their collaboration in recent years.

In September, China and the United States held high-level dialogues on enhancing cooperation on anti-monopoly and antitrust enforcement.

baochang@chinadaily.com.cn

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