Pace in Google talks

SET top box maker Pace is in discussions with Google over a potential takeover of its Motorola Home business.

Trading in ordinary Pace shares was suspended this afternoon as the company confirmed it had made a bid.

If the deal went ahead it would amount to a reverse takeover with Motorola Home valued at between $1.5bn and $2.5bn.

However, there has been speculation that Google might help to finance the deal itself in order to offload the business.

According to analysts, a Pace tie-up with Motorola Home could create a business witha 25% market share.

The disposal is part of Google’s aim to focus Motorola, which it bought for $12.5bn in May, on the smartphone market.

Trading will remain suspended in Pace until more details are made available to shareholders or discussions come to an end.