Chinese cell phone companies partnering with global leaders

Chinese cell phone manufacturers are moving into the spotlight as potential partners for Schaumburg-based Motorola Inc.

Some of Motorola's biggest rivals in the handset business, including South Korea's Samsung and LG, have dismissed the idea of buying or partnering with Motorola, which has announced it is considering splitting off its cell phone operation. Analysts think world handset leader Nokia wouldn't be interested, but a Chinese company looking to grow quickly might find Motorola attractive.

Partnering with a global company such as Motorola would give a younger, smaller firm access to larger-scale production and an extensive distribution network in key markets such as the United States.