Microsoft to acquire Nokia’s Devices and Services division

Microsoft has recently announced the acquisition of Nokia’s Devices & Services division for 5.44 billion euros ($7.1 billion). This agreement will also let Microsoft license Nokia’s patents, and use and license Nokia’s mapping services.

More than 32,000 employees will now be working for Microsoft, with about 4700 people in Finland and 18,300 employees working in manufacturing, assembly and packaging of products worldwide.

“It’s a bold step into the future – a win-win for employees, shareholders and consumers of both companies. Bringing these great teams together will accelerate Microsoft’s share and profits in phones, and strengthen the overall opportunities for both Microsoft and our partners across our entire family of devices and services,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft chief executive officer.

[Update 1]:

• Microsoft acquires the Lumia brand and products.
• Microsoft acquires the Asha brand.
• Microsfot will be in charge of Nokia’s patent licensing agreement with Qualcomm and others.
• Microsoft acquires Nokia’s Mobile Phone business unit, with hundreds of millions of customers worldwide.
• Microsoft selects Finland as the home for a new data center for its consumers in Europe.
• Nokia will continue to own and manage the Nokia brand
• Nokia will retain its patent portfolio and will grant Microsoft a 10-year license to its patents
• Stephen Elop, Jo Harlow, Juha Putkiranta, Timo Toikkanen, and Chris Weber will be transferring to their new positions from Nokia to Microsoft.

[Source]: Microsoft News Center: Microsoft to acquire Nokia’s devices & services business, license Nokia’s patents and mapping services [http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/press/2013/Sep13/09-02AnnouncementPR.aspx]; Nokia: Nokia to sell Devices & Services business to Microsoft in EUR 5.44 billion all-cash transaction [http://press.nokia.com/2013/09/03/nokia-to-sell-devices-services-business-to-microsoft-in-eur-5-44-billion-all-cash-transaction/].