Report: DOJ set to approve Google-Motorola deal

The Justice Department is set approve Google’s $12.5 billion acquisition of Motorola Mobility as early as next week, according to a Wall Street Journal report. 

The agency was probing whether the deal violated antitrust law.

If approved, the acquisition will give Google a foothold in the mobile phone industry and could boost its Android mobile operating system.

Google would also gain access to Motorola’s trove of patents, which it can use to fend off lawsuits from Apple.

Motorola split into two companies, Motorola Mobility and Motorola Solutions, early last year. Motorola Solutions, which provides data and communications tools to businesses and government agencies, will remain an independent company.