Microsoft Mobile brand to replace Nokia as deal closes
Firm hopes deal will boost fortunes in competitive mobile market
Microsoft has confirmed that its purchase of Nokia's device business unit will close on Friday 25 April. It is expected that the Nokia brand will disappear to be replaced by Microsoft Mobile.
The deal had been expected to close before the end of the month after numerous jurisdictions allowed the deal to go through, as Microsoft hopes to use the purchases to boost its position in the mobile market.
Brad Smith, Microsoft's general counsel, said the deal was a major step forward for the company. "The completion of this acquisition follows several months of planning and will mark a key step on the journey towards integration," he wrote.
"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."
Smith noted that as an addition to the original deal Microsoft will take over the management of Nokia's online assets, including its social media channels, for up to a year. A Korean manufacturing facility that was included in the original deal will now not be purchased.
Microsoft will also ditch Nokia brand name and instead use Microsoft Mobile, according to a report from NokiaPowerUser.com.
"Upon the close of the transaction between Microsoft and Nokia, the name of Nokia Corporation/Nokia Oyj will change to Microsoft Mobile Oy," a leaked letter reads.
The deal comes at a difficult time for both firms in the mobile market as they struggle to match the dominance of Samsung and Apple, despite new phones and tablets hitting the market all the time. However, even these new products have caused headaches.
Last Thursday Nokia issued a warning that a charger for the Lumia 2520 tablet was faulty and should not be used. This effectively rendered the device unusable as it could only be charged with this accessory.
A video review of the Lumia 2520 tablet is embedded below: