"$7.2 Billion Bid Marks the End of Nokia as a Phone Maker"

 

On Tuesday, proving all recent rumors right, Nokia sold out its mobile phone units to the US software giant Microsoft in a $7.2 billion bid, which also marked the end of Nokia as a phone maker. In its agreement, Nokia has granted Microsoft a non-exclusive patent for 10 years and has, rather, centered its focus on just network infrastructure and services.

The industry experts have dubbed it as the wisest choice made by Nokia after its constant decline as a phone maker, which will also benefit both the company and its shareholders. The company announced replacement of its chief executive Stephen Elop by Risto Siilasmaa, Nokia’s chairman of the board.

Amid high drama and tension, Nokia had changed its policy in February 2011 when Elop had predicted dire business losses for the company. The move was highly required then to save the company.

However, Nokia believes that its new Lumia smartphone range will give a tough competition to its rivals Apple and Samsung. Over 32,000 employees from Nokia will move to Microsoft after the deal is formally concluded.