Google's $12 Billion Toy

Here's a business riddle: Divine Google Inc.'s intentions for its largest-ever acquisition, the $12.5 billion purchase of the once-great, now-faltering Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc.



Motorola represents one of the thorniest strategic and operational challenges in Google's 14-year history. Oddly, few seem to be paying attention.

When investors parsed Google's deal announcement in August, they focused on how Motorola's 17,000 patents will protect Google's market-leading Android mobile operating system from legal assault.       Read More