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Google Plans Wider Job Cuts At Motorola Unit

Google is expanding its plan to cut jobs from its Motorola Mobility unit outside the U.S. and will take $390 million for severance costs and other charges related to the layoffs. The online search leader said in August that it would cut about 4,000 jobs at Motorola, planning to close or consolidate about one-third of Motorola's 90 locations.

NEW YORK (AP) — Google is expanding its plan to cut jobs from its Motorola Mobility unit outside the U.S. and will take $390 million for severance costs and other charges related to the layoffs.

The online search leader said in August that it would cut about 4,000 jobs at Motorola, planning to close or consolidate about one-third of Motorola's 90 locations. It said then that two-thirds of the job cuts, about 7 percent of Google's overall work force, would take place outside the U.S.

Google Inc. bought Motorola Mobility, which makes cellphones and cable set-top boxes, in late May for $12.4 billion. It was its largest acquisition ever, broadening the company's business from its roots in Internet search and other online services to manufacturing equipment.

About $300 million of the charges announced Thursday are related to severance payments and will be taken in the third quarter, according to a filing by Google with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Mountain View, Calif., company also expects to pay about $90 million in charges for the cost of closing facilities through 2013. About $40 million of those charges are expected to be taken in the third quarter.

Motorola may make even more cuts as it evaluates its plans, which could result in more charges, Google said.

Google shares rose $2.50 to $765 in premarket trading Thursday.

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