WSJ: Microsoft, Nokia break off ‘advanced’ merger negotiations

Nokia’s devotion to Windows Phone is starting to make sense. Unnamed sources tell The Wall Street Journal that Microsoft and Nokia were until recently in “advanced” discussions about a possible merger, although talks between the two companies have apparently broken down. Microsoft reportedly walked away from the deal “because of the price and Nokia’s own strategic predicament, where it ranks as a trailing player to Apple and Samsung.” This is somewhat ironic since Nokia is far and away the top Windows Phone OEM and a merger with Microsoft would be one sure-fire way to give it more resources to help it compete against the mobile industry’s major players. Microsoft declined to comment on the Journal’s report.

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