Google gets Chinese nod for $12.5-bn Motorola Mobility acquisition

Chinese competition authorities have given their approval for Google Inc's takeover of cell phone maker Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc, clearing the final hurdle for the internet giant's biggest acquisition ever.

Nevertheless, the clearance from China's ministry of commerce came with a crucial precondition that Google's Android operating system for smartphones and tablet computers should remain open and free for a period of five years.

It is believed that the provision is intended not to deprive Motorola's competitors accessing Android, while not giving any special advantage to Motorola.

''Our stance since we agreed to acquire Motorola has not changed and we look forward to closing the deal,'' a Google spokesperson said.

Libertyville, Illinois-based Motorola Mobility is a provider of innovative technologies, products and services enabling mobile and wireline communication, digital home entertainment and end-to-end video solutions.

The deal gives Mountain View, California-based Google, the biggest smartphone software provider ownership of 17,000 patents, a protective shield to fight legal battles with its competitors.