As reported last week, Motorola is “exploring strategic options including the possible break-up”, today there are rumours that they are in negotiations with Nortel Networks of possibly combining their wireless infrastructure divisions – a deal between the two companies could create a joint venture with sales of around $10-billion (U.S.) that would make network equipment for wireless phone carriers.
Even at the World Mobile Congress today Greg Brown, Chief Executive for Motorola said “I don’t want there to be any confusion. Motorola is fully committed to the mobile devices business and I am fully committed to mobile devices”. A Motorola spokeswoman in London, Stephanie Forrest said “We’re not commenting on the rumour . . . Motorola is committed to providing value to its shareholders.”
Motorola now lags far behind wireless king Nokia with just a 13.1-per-cent share for global cellphone sales in the third quarter, according to Gartner Inc. Nokia has 38.1 per cent and Samsung has also pulled ahead with 14.5 per cent.
