Nokia to become Microsoft Mobile by April 25?
When the acquisition is final, Microsoft’s first order of business might be to kill off the Nokia brand name altogether
MANILA, Philippines — It’s finally happening.
Following delays caused by regulatory agencies in Asia, Microsoft will conclude its acquisition of Nokia’s mobile phone business on Friday, April 25.
In a statement posted on its company blog
on Monday, April 21 (Tuesday in Manila), Microsoft announced the
completion of the transaction that’s been several months into the
making. Microsoft says the deal will, “help Microsoft accelerate
innovation and market adoption for Windows Phones.”
When the acquisition is final, Microsoft’s first order of business might be to kill off the Nokia brand name altogether.
In a leaked internal letter supposedly
sent by Nokia to its suppliers, the Finnish smartphone manufacturer
informed its partners of the upcoming name change, “Upon the close of
the transaction between Microsoft and Nokia, the name of Nokia
Corporation will change to Microsoft Mobile.”
No official statement has been made confirming or denying the rumored change in name.
Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Nokia’s
Devices and Services business in September 2013 for 3.79 billion euros
($5.23 billion) plus an additional 1.65 billion euros ($2.27 billion)
for a 10-year non-exclusive license on Nokia’s phone patents.
In Monday’s blog post, Microsoft also
announced adjustments to the original agreement. Microsoft will take
over Nokia.com and Nokia’s social media accounts for up to a year, and
acquire the 21 China-based employees under Nokia’s Chief Technology
Office, but will not be acquiring Nokia’s manufacturing plant in South
Korea.
Once the world’s leading cellphone
manufacturer, Nokia has struggled to stay profitable largely due to the
poor showing of its Windows Phone-based Lumia smartphone. The company's
biggest challenge has been to remain relevant after the 2007 launch of
the original iPhone ushered in a new age of smartphones. –
Nokia to become Microsoft Mobile by April 25?
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