Motorola is exploring a $4.5 billion (€3.23 billion) sale of its Home and Networks Mobility division, the Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday.
Quoting sources familiar with the matter, the Journal said the company was being advised by JP Morgan Chase and Goldman Sachs. A sale could be made to either a private equity company or an industry buyer.
Motorola has said it will not comment on speculation.
The sale of Motorola’s largest division by sales follows an attempt to spin-off the company’s mobile phone unit. Its position has been bolstered by falling mobile sales, but Home and Networks itself suffered falling sales, at $2 billion down 15% in the third quarter when compared to 2008.
One of the top three receiver manufacturers, Motorola has a well established position as a provider of infrastructure to the US cable market. However, its position in Europe was eroded with the launch of digital TV services in the late 1990s. The company subsequently acquired the Swedish Kreatel Communications, its software and hardware solutions incorporated into the Motorola range.
About Julian Clover
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.