14 DAY TRIAL // Redmond-based technology giant Microsoft and its number one partner on the Windows Phone market have been involved in a new round of negotiations concerning a potential merger of the two.
The Wall Street Journal writes that Microsoft has tried to take over Nokia’s handset business this month, but negotiations failed when it all came down to the final price of the acquisition. No details on the asked price have been provided.
Asked to comment on the report, Nokia spokespersons explain that regular meetings between officials of the two companies aren’t something unusual, especially because they are now working on some joint projects, including several new Windows Phone devices.
"We have a deep partnership with Microsoft, and it is not uncommon for Nokia and Microsoft to meet on a regular basis," a Nokia representative is quoted as saying.
According to the source, takeover negotiations between Microsoft and Nokia took place earlier this month and aren’t likely to be restarted after they failed to reach an agreement.
At this point, Nokia is Microsoft’s number one partner for the Windows Phone platform, but their short term plans have until now failed to challenge the total domination of Android and iOS.
The upcoming Blue update cycle that’s also expected to refresh Windows Phone will bring a new wave of handhelds to the market, some of which developed by Nokia, but analysts have already expressed their doubts regarding the success of this new attempt to compete with the two aforementioned platforms.
For Microsoft, a potential Nokia takeover would be a gigantic step towards the devices and services concept mentioned by CEO Steve Ballmer with every single occasion, as the tech giant’s big honcho wants to make the Redmond-based empire more than just a software vendor.
At this time, Microsoft is already an active player in the hardware industry, with two tablets now up for grabs in several countries around the world, while many other devices are expected to be released in the coming months.