Microsoft has completed the final steps necessary in order to finalize the acquisition of Nokia’s devices and services unit, the company announced today. In fact, the acquisition will be completed on Friday, April 25th.
“Today we are excited to share that we have completed the steps necessary to finalize Microsoft’s acquisition of the Nokia Devices and Services business. The transaction will be completed this Friday, April 25, when we’ll officially welcome the Nokia Devices and Services business as part of the Microsoft family,” Microsoft stated in an official blog post.
Once the deal is complete, Microsoft will manage the Nokia.com domain name and social media sites for the “benefit of both companies,” for up to a year. The deal will also include 21 employees from China who are working on mobile phones. These employees will join Microsoft and continue their work. The original plan was for them to continue working with Nokia but this as since been amended. Microsoft was originally going to acquire Nokia’s Korean manufacturing facility, but a new amendment was made to the agreement canceling this.
“The completion of this acquisition follows several months of planning and will mark a key step on the journey towards integration. This acquisition will help Microsoft accelerate innovation and market adoption for Windows Phones. In addition, we look forward to introducing the next billion customers to Microsoft services via Nokia mobile phones,” Microsoft stated.
