Nokia Deal to officially Close April 25th; Microsoft to Manage Nokia.Com and Social Networks

The official Microsoft blog has just posted that the deal to acquire Nokia’s devices and services division will be completed on April 25th (4 days from now). Along with this deal Microsoft will also take control of “Nokia.Com” as well as manage the social networking sites (Official Twitters and Facebooks, as well as regional programs probably) for the next year.

· While the original deal did not address the management of online assets, our two companies have agreed that Microsoft will manage the nokia.com domain and social media sites for the benefit of both companies and our customers for up to a year.

This is probably to allow for a more seamless transition of products to the Microsoft name; meaning we’ll probably continue to see “Nokia” branded phones for the next year; until Microsoft starts announcing them and showcasing them on their own site. My main issue with this is Microsoft’s poor track record with social networking relations, and their inability to grasp that there is a world outside the US. My only hope is that no matter who’s managing the teams; that 1000 Heads and Nokia Connects stay behind the helm of it, as they’ve done a great job in both their blogger programs, and their trials to everyday users.

Other parts of the deal include that Nokia will maintain ownership of their factory in Korea, and a small adjustment to employees in China who will work for Microsoft now.

· The original deal had all employees in Nokia’s Chief Technology Office continuing with Nokia. We’ve adjusted the agreement so the 21 employees in China working on mobile phones will join Microsoft and continue their work.

· The original deal had Microsoft acquiring Nokia’s Korean manufacturing facility. The agreement was adjusted and Microsoft will not acquire the facility.

So it’s almost over…

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Category: Lumia, Nokia, Windows Phone