Google to slash Motorola workforce

Google is planning to cut recently acquired Motorola Mobility’s workforce by 20%, or 4,000 posts, as part of a shift in strategy to focus on high-end smartphones and a reduced range of lower-end devices, according to press reports.

Google will also cut Motorola’s management, eliminating up to 40% of staff at vice-president level, according to a New York Times report.

The news follows earlier reports that Google is planning to sell off Motorola Mobility’s Home division, which includes its cable and set-top box activities.

Google has said in a regulatory filing that it expects severance-related charges of up to US$275 million (€223 million), most of which will fall in the third quarter.