Nokia to become Microsoft Mobile by April 25?

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 in 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. – Rappler.com

(US$1 = 0.724811 euros)