Motorola Inc. announced it acquired Melco Mobile Communication Europe, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corp. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Mitsubishi’s center is based in Rennes, France, and develops software for Japanese carrier NTT DoCoMo Inc.’s i-mode wireless data service. Motorola said it will use the center to develop products for the third-generation European i-mode market.
“The Rennes research and development team, with its ability to design some of the most advanced i-mode products in the European market, is a welcome addition to Motorola,” said Ron Garriques, president of Motorola’s phone business. “The Rennes team offers Motorola unmatched capabilities in i-mode development and integration, as well as strong branded services and testing skills. This acquisition builds upon Motorola’s recent success in the European market.”
Motorola said the deal does not include Mitsubishi’s phone business or its manufacturing or supply relationships, sales and administrative capabilities.
The acquisition gives Motorola expanded resources to target the European i-mode market. A number of European carriers have licensed DoCoMo’s i-mode wireless data services, and are selling i-mode-capable phones. Motorola has been recently working to improve its presence in Europe.
The acquisition is Motorola’s second in the phone realm this year. The company also recently acquired the assets of mobile-phone startup Sendo Ltd.
