Google says it has lastly accomplished its $2.1 billion acquisition of Fitbit, regardless that the US Justice Division remains to be reportedly analyzing the deal over antitrust considerations.
Google’s announcement comes a month after authorities regulators in Europe signed off on the deal after Google promised to not mix Fitbit knowledge with Google’s promoting enterprise over the following decade.
Google now says the identical commitments will apply globally. “This deal has all the time been about units, not knowledge, and we’ve been clear for the reason that starting that we’ll shield Fitbit customers’ privateness,” mentioned Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP for units and companies.
“We’ll additionally keep entry to Android APIs that allow units like health trackers and smartwatches to interoperate with Android smartphones,” he added. “And we’ll proceed to permit Fitbit customers to decide on to hook up with third-party companies so that you’ll nonetheless have the ability to sync your favourite well being and health apps to your Fitbit account.”
How Google will use Fitbit’s know-how wasn’t particularly revealed, however the deal opens a path for the tech big to start out producing its personal company-branded smartwatch. Google can also be absorbing the 29 million lively customers who at present put on Fitbit health-tracking units.
CEO James Parker says the merger will speed up Fitbit’s R&D within the wearable house. “We’ll have the ability to innovate quicker, present extra decisions, and make even higher merchandise to help your well being and wellness wants,” he wrote in a weblog put up. “However I additionally need you to know that most of the issues you realize and love about Fitbit will stay the identical.”
Though the merger is full, the Justice Division advised Reuters it hasn’t “reached a last choice about whether or not to pursue an enforcement motion” on the Fitbit deal. So it’s nonetheless attainable US regulators might attempt to reverse the acquisition or impose further situations. In October, the Justice Division additionally sued Google on claims the tech big has been violating antitrust legal guidelines to cement its management over web search. If the DOJ’s case succeeds, the corporate faces the prospect of a US courtroom ordering a breakup of Google’s search enterprise.