Microsoft Nokia smartphone buyout rumours re-surface

As much as Nokia may want them to go away, the rumours that Microsoft will buy out its smartphone division simply show no signs of going anywhere.

In part this is thanks to the continued predictions of industry analyst Eldar Murtazin who’s latest tweet reaffirms his previous forecasts that a takeover is in the works.

The new tweet published today alleges that Microsoft head Steve Ballmer will meet with Nokia chief Stephen Elop, along with executives Andy Lees and Kai Ostamo, in Las Vegas, probably ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show held there next week.

According to Murtazin the discussion will be to ‘finalize agreement about Nokia smartphone unit'. He then signs off with ‘Bye Nokia.’

Murtazin has suggested a deal could be finalised by mid-to-late 2012. Nokia would continue to make feature phones for developing markets and would carry on providing services such as mapping.

Murtazin also believes Stephen Elop will leave Nokia, possibly returning to Microsoft. He said the Windows Phone giant was interested in acquiring Nokia’s smartphone patents and indicated that the ball was very much in Microsoft’s court.

Nokia has been consistently denying rumours that it is considering selling up its smartphone division.

It’s not totally out of the question but we’re not exactly holding our breath - we can’t think of a good reason for Nokia to continuously deny it if it is true, really.

Source: TechCrunch