Finnish mobile phone maker Nokia will sell the majority of shares of subsidiary Vertu, charged of luxury equipment production. The new owner of 90% Vertu will be an investment group EQT VI, the remaining part of Nokia will dispose of their own.
For the first time about the possible sale we heard in December 2011, and about six weeks ago as a potential Vertu buyer we called British investment company Permira. Commenting on the upcoming transaction Nokia and EQT VI believe in further strengthening the position of Vertu in its segment. All the necessary procedures, if approved by regulators, will be completed before the end of 2012. The financial side of the transaction were not disclosed.
Nokia also had to lay off 10,000 employees worldwide. Such categorical measures were prompted by the expected net loss in the second quarter 2012, which may exceed analysts forecasts. The program will be closed to reduce Nokia factory in Finland and offices in Germany and Canada.