In 2012, which company did Google acquire for $12.5 billion to enter the mobile phone market?

In 2012, Google acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion to expand its position in mobile technology.

Motorola Mobility was created in January 2011 when Motorola, Inc. split into Motorola Mobility, focused on consumer devices, and Motorola Solutions, focused on enterprise and communications equipment. Google announced its acquisition in August 2011, but regulatory approvals delayed completion until May 22, 2012.

The deal was often described as Google entering the phone business, but its most important strategic purpose was Motorola's patent portfolio. Motorola Mobility held about 17,000 patents and 7,500 pending applications, giving Google stronger defenses in patent disputes involving Android. Google also hoped to keep Motorola operating independently so other Android manufacturers would not view the acquisition as favoritism.

A common mix-up is confusing Motorola Mobility with Motorola Solutions, which Google did not acquire. Google later sold Motorola Mobility to Lenovo in 2014 for about $2.91 billion, while retaining most of the patents.