Google Says Motorola Buyout Boosts Choice as China Extends Probe

Google Inc. said its proposed $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings Inc. would improve consumer choice after Chinese regulators extended their probe of the deal, the last hurdle before the sale is completed.

China’s Anti-Monopoly Bureau has expanded the second phase of its investigation, Libertyville, Illinois-based Motorola Mobility said in a regulatory filing yesterday. While Motorola Mobility and Google expect the transaction to close in the first half, they said they can provide no assurances the transaction will be approved by China.