Microsoft to buy Nokia devices unit
About 32,000 Nokia employees will move to Microsoft as part of the deal, the companies said [Reuters]Microsoft agrees to buy Nokia\’s mobile phone unit and gains access to its patents and mapping services for 5.4bn euros ($7.2bn).
The corporations announced the deal late on Monday, saying that Microsoft will pay $5bn for the Nokia unit that makes mobile phones, including its line of Lumia smartphones that run Windows Phone software.
The purchase is set to be completed in early 2014, when about 32,000 Nokia employees will transfer to Microsoft.
Microsoft is also paying $2.2bn for a 10-year licence to use Nokia\’s patents, with the option to extend it indefinitely.
"We are very excited about the proposal to bring the best mobile device efforts of Microsoft and Nokia together," Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO, said in a memo to employees.
"We are receiving incredible talent, technology and IP [intellectual property]."
Microsoft said it is acquiring Nokia\’s Asha brand of low to mid-level smartphones and will license the Nokia brand for current Nokia mobile products.
Microsoft, which is based in Redmond, Washington, said it will draw from its overseas cash resources to fund the transaction.
Nokia, based in Espoo, Finland, said Stephen Elop will step aside as president and CEO to become executive vice president of Nokia devices and services.
Risto Siilasmaa, Nokia chairman, will stay in his current role and assume the duties of interim CEO.
Elop is expected to join Microsoft at the close of the transaction, along with several Nokia vice presidents.
Nokia plans to hold a news conference on Tuesday morning in Finland to discuss the deal.
Source: Agencies
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