EU approves Google takeover of Motorola

BRUSSELS - The EU's antitrust watchdog has approved Google's (GOOG) $12.5 billion takeover of cell phone maker Motorola (MMI).

The European Commission said Monday that the deal doesn't significantly change the market for operating systems or patents for mobile devices like cell phones or tablets.

The commission said it sees no danger that Google would prevent other device makers from using its popular Android operating system after the takeover.

It said it also sees no competition problems in Google owning Motorola's patents for 3G and other key wireless technology.

However, it warned that approving the takeover does not mean that it is not concerned about Motorola's enforcement of patents for standard technology.