Nokia and Microsoft deal expect to be finalized next month
Microsoft and Nokia have issued statements regarding the acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services division (read. smartphones business) and related patent licenses. Both of the companies are expecting the final round of regulatory approvals to finish by next month, rather than by the end of March as previously expected.
The deal, announced in September of last year, will see Microsoft acquiring Nokia's Devices and Services division and granting exclusive use of its patents for a period of at least 10 years. The deal has since gone through the usual gauntlet of regulatory and regional approvals, but this has taken slightly longer than initially expected.
Microsoft said that it has received regulatory approvals from fifteen markets across five continents. The European Commission and the US DoJ have long since given their approval, and it seems that the only obstacle remaining are certain Asian antitrust authorities.
Earlier this month, Korean manufacturers petitioned the FTC not only in regards to Microsoft's exclusive use of Nokia's patents, but also Nokia's ability to increase royalties on cross-licensed patents in the future. Since the Finnish manufacturer will no longer be making smartphones, it could increase its patent license royalties without have to worry about retaliation from other manufacturers.
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