Nokia, a name that was once synonymous with mobile phones, has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its humble beginnings as a paper mill in Finland to becoming a global telecommunications giant, Nokia’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. However, with the rise of smartphones and intense competition from other manufacturers, Nokia’s market share began to decline. This led to a series of strategic decisions, including the sale of its mobile division to Microsoft in 2014. But who buys Nokia? In this article, we will delve into the history of Nokia’s ownership and explore the current state of the company.
A Brief History of Nokia’s Ownership
To understand who buys Nokia, it’s essential to look at the company’s history. Founded in 1865 by Fredrik Idestam, Nokia started as a paper mill in Finland. Over the years, the company diversified its operations, venturing into rubber, cable, and electronics. In the 1960s, Nokia began to focus on telecommunications, and by the 1980s, it had become a leading manufacturer of mobile phones.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Nokia’s mobile division experienced rapid growth, and the company became the largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. However, with the rise of smartphones and the introduction of iOS and Android operating systems, Nokia’s market share began to decline.
The Sale of Nokia’s Mobile Division to Microsoft
In 2014, Nokia sold its mobile division to Microsoft for $7.2 billion. The deal included Nokia’s smartphone and feature phone businesses, as well as its design team, manufacturing facilities, and sales and marketing operations. Microsoft also acquired Nokia’s Asha and Lumia brands, as well as its HERE mapping service.
The sale marked a significant shift in Nokia’s strategy, as the company decided to focus on its network infrastructure and technology licensing businesses. Microsoft, on the other hand, aimed to use Nokia’s mobile division to boost its Windows Phone operating system and compete with Android and iOS.
The Current State of Nokia’s Ownership
So, who buys Nokia? Today, Nokia is a publicly traded company listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange. The company’s largest shareholders include:
- The State of Finland, which owns approximately 3.8% of Nokia’s shares
- The Vanguard Group, a US-based investment management company, which owns around 3.5% of Nokia’s shares
- BlackRock, a US-based investment management company, which owns approximately 3.3% of Nokia’s shares
- Capital Research Global Investors, a US-based investment management company, which owns around 3.2% of Nokia’s shares
Nokia’s ownership structure is diverse, with no single entity holding a majority stake in the company. This allows Nokia to maintain its independence and make strategic decisions without being influenced by a single shareholder.
Nokia’s Business Divisions
Nokia operates through three main business divisions:
- Networks, which provides network infrastructure and services to telecommunications operators
- Software, which develops and licenses software solutions for telecommunications operators
- Licensing, which licenses Nokia’s intellectual property, including its patents and trademarks
Nokia’s business divisions are focused on providing innovative solutions to telecommunications operators, and the company has made significant investments in research and development to stay ahead of the competition.
Nokia’s Partnerships and Acquisitions
Nokia has formed several partnerships and made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the market. Some notable partnerships and acquisitions include:
- Alcatel-Lucent, a French telecommunications equipment manufacturer, which Nokia acquired in 2016 for $17.8 billion
- Comptel, a Finnish software company, which Nokia acquired in 2017 for $370 million
- Unium, a US-based software company, which Nokia acquired in 2018 for an undisclosed amount
- Microsoft, with which Nokia has a long-term partnership to provide network infrastructure and services
Nokia’s partnerships and acquisitions have helped the company expand its product portfolio and improve its competitiveness in the market.
Nokia’s Future Plans
Nokia has outlined several strategic priorities for the future, including:
- 5G, which Nokia is committed to developing and deploying
- Cloud, which Nokia is using to provide software solutions to telecommunications operators
- Artificial Intelligence, which Nokia is using to improve its network infrastructure and services
- Internet of Things, which Nokia is using to provide solutions for connected devices
Nokia’s future plans are focused on providing innovative solutions to telecommunications operators and capitalizing on emerging trends in the industry.
Conclusion
Who buys Nokia? The answer is complex, as Nokia is a publicly traded company with a diverse ownership structure. However, one thing is clear: Nokia is committed to providing innovative solutions to telecommunications operators and capitalizing on emerging trends in the industry. With its strong research and development capabilities, strategic partnerships, and acquisitions, Nokia is well-positioned for success in the future.
As the telecommunications industry continues to evolve, Nokia is likely to play a significant role in shaping its future. Whether it’s through the development of 5G networks, the use of artificial intelligence, or the provision of software solutions, Nokia is committed to providing innovative solutions to its customers.
Who currently owns the Nokia brand?
Nokia is currently owned by three separate entities: Nokia Corporation, HMD Global, and Microsoft. Nokia Corporation is a Finnish telecommunications, information technology, and consumer electronics company founded in 1865. HMD Global is a Finnish mobile phone manufacturer that has licensed the Nokia brand since 2016. Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile device division in 2014 but sold it to HMD Global in 2016.
While Nokia Corporation is the original owner of the brand, HMD Global has the exclusive rights to manufacture and sell Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets. Microsoft, on the other hand, retained the rights to Nokia’s mapping services, which it rebranded as Microsoft Maps. This complex ownership structure can be confusing, but it allows each company to focus on its core competencies while leveraging the iconic Nokia brand.
What happened to Nokia’s mobile phone division?
Nokia’s mobile phone division was acquired by Microsoft in 2014 for $7.2 billion. At the time, Nokia was struggling to compete with other smartphone manufacturers, and Microsoft saw an opportunity to expand its presence in the mobile market. However, Microsoft’s efforts to revive Nokia’s mobile phone business were unsuccessful, and the company wrote off $7.6 billion in losses in 2015.
In 2016, Microsoft sold Nokia’s mobile device division to HMD Global, a Finnish company founded by former Nokia executives. HMD Global has since released several Nokia-branded smartphones and feature phones, which have been well-received by critics and consumers. While Nokia’s mobile phone division is no longer part of Nokia Corporation, the brand continues to be a major player in the global mobile market.
Is Nokia still a Finnish company?
Yes, Nokia is still a Finnish company, and it is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. Despite being owned by multiple entities, Nokia Corporation remains a Finnish company with a long history and strong roots in the country. Nokia was founded in 1865 as a paper mill in Finland and has since grown into a global telecommunications and technology company.
While HMD Global, the company that manufactures Nokia-branded mobile phones, is also Finnish, it is a separate entity from Nokia Corporation. HMD Global has a licensing agreement with Nokia Corporation to use the Nokia brand, which allows it to manufacture and sell Nokia-branded products. This arrangement allows Nokia Corporation to focus on its core business while still benefiting from the global recognition of the Nokia brand.
What does HMD Global do with the Nokia brand?
HMD Global is a Finnish mobile phone manufacturer that has licensed the Nokia brand since 2016. The company designs, manufactures, and sells Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets, which are available in over 80 countries worldwide. HMD Global’s products range from budget-friendly feature phones to high-end smartphones, all of which carry the iconic Nokia brand.
HMD Global’s goal is to revive the Nokia brand and make it a major player in the global mobile market once again. The company has released several successful products, including the Nokia 3310 feature phone and the Nokia 8.1 smartphone. HMD Global’s products are known for their durability, affordability, and nostalgic value, which has helped to reestablish the Nokia brand as a major force in the mobile industry.
What is the relationship between Nokia and Microsoft?
Nokia and Microsoft have a complex relationship that dates back to 2011, when the two companies formed a partnership to develop Windows-based smartphones. In 2014, Microsoft acquired Nokia’s mobile device division for $7.2 billion, but the deal ultimately proved unsuccessful. Microsoft wrote off $7.6 billion in losses in 2015 and sold Nokia’s mobile device division to HMD Global in 2016.
Today, Microsoft and Nokia Corporation have a licensing agreement that allows Microsoft to use Nokia’s mapping services, which it rebranded as Microsoft Maps. Nokia Corporation also provides network infrastructure and services to Microsoft, which uses them to support its cloud computing business. While the two companies are no longer closely tied, they continue to collaborate on various projects and initiatives.
Can I still buy Nokia products?
Yes, you can still buy Nokia products, including mobile phones, tablets, and network infrastructure equipment. HMD Global manufactures and sells Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets, which are available in over 80 countries worldwide. Nokia Corporation also sells network infrastructure equipment and services to telecommunications companies and other organizations.
Nokia products are available from a variety of retailers, both online and offline. You can purchase Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets from retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as from Nokia’s official website. Nokia Corporation’s network infrastructure equipment and services are typically sold directly to businesses and organizations, rather than to individual consumers.
Is the Nokia brand still relevant today?
Yes, the Nokia brand is still relevant today, despite the company’s decline in the early 2010s. Nokia Corporation remains a major player in the global telecommunications industry, and its network infrastructure equipment and services are used by many of the world’s largest telecommunications companies. HMD Global’s Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets have also been well-received by critics and consumers, and the company has helped to revive the Nokia brand in the mobile market.
The Nokia brand is still recognized and respected around the world, and it continues to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity among many consumers. While the company may not be as dominant as it once was, the Nokia brand remains an important part of the global technology landscape, and it continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of telecommunications and mobile technology.