Motorola Commences Process to Create Two Independent, Industry-Leading Companies
Wednesday March 26, 7:34 am ET
Separate Publicly-Traded Mobile Devices Business and Broadband & Mobility Solutions Business Anticipated
Company to Host Conference Call Today at 8:30 am ET
SCHAUMBURG, Ill., March 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT - News) today announced that the Company's Board of Directors has commenced a process to create two independent, publicly-traded companies. Today's decision follows the Company's January 31, 2008 announced evaluation of the structural and strategic realignment of its businesses and represents affirmative steps to position its Mobile Devices and Broadband & Mobility Solutions businesses for success, while creating value for all Motorola shareholders.
"Our decision to separate our Mobile Devices and Broadband & Mobility Solutions businesses follows a review process undertaken by our management team and Board of Directors, together with independent advisors," said Greg Brown, Motorola's president and chief executive officer. "Creating two industry-leading companies will provide improved flexibility, more tailored capital structures, and increased management focus - as well as more targeted investment opportunities for our shareholders."
Based on current plans, the creation of the two stand-alone businesses is expected to take the form of a tax-free distribution to Motorola's shareholders, subject to further financial, tax and legal analysis, resulting in shareholders holding shares of two independent and publicly-traded companies:
-- The Mobile Devices business is an industry leader in multi-mode,
multi-band communications products and technologies. The business
designs, manufactures and sells mobile handsets and accessories
globally with integrated software solutions that incorporate the
latest personal communications technologies. It also licenses a
portfolio of intellectual property.
-- The Broadband & Mobility Solutions business includes Motorola's
Enterprise Mobility, Government and Public Safety, and Home and
Networks businesses. These businesses manufacture, design, integrate,
and service voice and data communication solutions and wireless
broadband networks for enterprises and government and public safety
customers worldwide. These businesses also provide end-to-end digital
and Internet Protocol (IP) video solutions, cellular and high speed
broadband network infrastructure, cable set-top receivers, and
associated customer premise equipment for residential and commercial
wireless network system access.
"Our priorities have not changed with today's announcement," added Brown. "We remain committed to improving the performance of our Mobile Devices business by delivering compelling products that meet the needs of customers and consumers around the world. As part of that effort, we have undertaken a global search for a new chief executive officer for the Mobile Devices business. We believe strongly in our brand, our people and our intellectual property, and expect that the Mobile Devices business will be well-positioned to regain market leadership as a focused, independent company."
The completion of any separation transaction would be subject to certain customary conditions, including implementation of inter-company agreements, filing of required documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission and receipt of an opinion of counsel or a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service as to the tax-free nature of any transaction. The Company expects that the separation of its businesses, if consummated, would take place in 2009. The Company noted that there can be no assurance that any separation transaction will ultimately occur or, if one does occur, its terms or timing.
About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications. The Company develops technologies, products and services that make mobile experiences possible. The Company's portfolio includes communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility solutions, digital set-tops, cable modems, mobile devices and Bluetooth accessories. Motorola is committed to delivering next-generation communication solutions to people, businesses and governments. A Fortune 100 company with global presence and impact, Motorola had sales of US $36.6 billion in 2007. For more information about our company, our people and our innovations, please visit motorola.com.
Conference Call and Webcast
Motorola will host a conference call today March 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (USA) to discuss this press release. The conference call will be webcast live at www.motorola.com/investor. |
