The board of directors has agreed to split Motorola into two independent, publicly-traded companies. The new entities will be called Mobile Devices and Broadband & Mobility Solutions. The Mobile Devices business will focus on the design, manufacturing, and sales of mobile handsets and accessories globally. The Broadband & Mobility Solutions business covers Moto's enterprise, government, public safety, and home and networks business. Greg Brown, Motorola's president and CEO, says the reason for the split is easy, "Creating two
industry-leading companies will provide improved flexibility, more tailored
capital structures, and increased management focus - as well as more targeted
investment opportunities for our shareholders." Right, weren't those the reasons for the Palm split? The matter is of course subject to regulatory approvals, but Motorola hopes that the transaction is complete "in 2009."

P.S. We're not sure whether this is a sad or happy Moto logo day. Regardless, we went with sad until we see signs of a turnaround.

[Thanks, Matt E.]a

The drama at Motorola just keeps coming -- apparently CEO Greg Brown has now taken direct personal control of the mobile phone division in an effort to turn it around. Of course, this move -- announced in an internal email leaked to Reuters -- comes in the wake of buyout rumors and Motorola's own admission that it might spin the handset unit off. We're not certain what steps Greg plans to take now that's he holding the reins, but we might know some people who might have some ideas.

[Via RCR Wireless News]

Motorola announced today that Ed Zander will be relinquishing the role of Chief Executive Officer in January 2008, a title he will have held for four years. Greg Brown, current President and Chief Operating Officer, will take over as CEO, while Zander will remain Chairman of the Board of Directors until at least May of next year. Zander, who came to Moto from Sun Microsystems, will perhaps best be remembered for overseeing the company during its RAZR-led handset revival.