Who Owns The Motorola Company

Understanding the ownership of Motorola requires navigating a complex landscape of history, acquisitions, and transformations. This blog aims to unravel the multifaceted story of Motorola’s ownership, tracing it from its inception to its current standing in the corporate world.

In a Nutshell

• Learn about the origin and early years of Motorola.
• Understand how Motorola split into two entities.
• Discover the series of acquisitions by Google and Lenovo.
• Dive into the present ownership structure and business focus of Motorola.
• Find detailed answers to common questions about Motorola’s ownership.

Table of Contents

• Section 1: Origins and Early Years
• Section 2: The Company Split
• Section 3: Acquisition by Google
• Section 4: Lenovo’s Takeover
• Section 5: Present Ownership and Business Strategy
• Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions

Section 1: Origins and Early Years

Motorola was originally founded in 1928 by Paul and Joseph Galvin as Galvin Manufacturing Corporation. It started its journey focusing on battery eliminators and later expanded into radios, television, and telecommunications.

• Key Milestone: The company changed its name to Motorola in 1947.
• Significant Products: They were pioneers in portable communications with the introduction of the handie-talkie and walkie-talkie.

Learn more about Motorola’s history on our detailed page: Who Owns The Motorola Company.

Section 2: The Company Split

The transformation of Motorola into two entities happened in 2011. It led to the formation of Motorola Solutions and Motorola Mobility.

• Motorola Solutions: Focused on the communications needs of government and public safety sectors.
• Motorola Mobility: Concentrated on consumer electronics, particularly smartphones.

Section 3: Acquisition by Google

In 2012, Google acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion. This move was seen as a strategic decision for Google to strengthen its patent portfolio and compete in the smartphone market.

• Why Google: The acquisition included a significant number of patents, which were a key asset for Google.
• Aftermath: Google retained ownership of key patents, even after selling Motorola Mobility later.

Section 4: Lenovo’s Takeover

Lenovo acquired Motorola Mobility from Google in 2014 for $2.91 billion. This acquisition was part of Lenovo’s strategy to boost its smartphone manufacturing capabilities and expand its global market share.

• Strategic Advantage: Allowed Lenovo to re-enter the US and global smartphone markets more aggressively.
• Brand Continuation: Lenovo chose to retain the Motorola brand due to its established market presence and heritage.

For more insights into corporate acquisitions, visit Who Owns.

Section 5: Present Ownership and Business Strategy

As of now, Motorola Mobility is a subsidiary of Lenovo. The company continues to innovate in the mobile technology sector, leveraging Lenovo’s resources to grow its product lineup.

• Current Focus: Developing cutting-edge smartphones and innovative technology solutions.
• Market Position: Aiming to capture a significant share of the Android market globally.

Discover more about current business strategies on trustful platforms like Forbes and The Verge.

Section 6: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did Motorola split into two companies?
   • The split was designed to allow each division to focus on its specific market – public safety solutions and consumer electronics.
2. How did Google benefit from acquiring Motorola Mobility?
   • Google acquired a vast number of patents from Motorola, which was crucial for legal defenses and technological competitiveness.
3. Why did Lenovo acquire Motorola Mobility?
   • Lenovo aimed to enhance its smartphone capabilities and restore its presence in Western markets through Motorola’s established name.
4. Is Motorola still a major player in the smartphone industry?
   • Yes, Motorola continues to compete globally with its innovative smartphone range under Lenovo’s umbrella.
5. What innovations is Motorola currently focusing on?
   • They are investing in next-generation 5G technology, IoT connectivity, and foldable smartphones.
6. Does Motorola still use its own brand after being acquired by Lenovo?
   • Yes, the Motorola brand is maintained to leverage its heritage and market recognition.

For more detailed insights on company ownership, see Who Owns.

These questions represent a cross-section of common inquiries from the market and consumer perspectives, helping to clarify the evolution and current status of Motorola within the industry.