It's 2020, so Microsoft may buy Nokia again

There is a theory which states that if ever anyone discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another which states that this has already happened.

Proof of this is most of 2020, and also that Microsoft is rumoured to be planning to purchase Nokia again.

Of course on this occasion, it would not be the handset business – that Microsoft discarded in 2015, but the networking company that Microsoft declined to purchase in 2013.

CCS Insight is behind the rumour, claiming that Nokia Networks will be bought by a major U.S. tech company next year, with both Microsoft and Intel named as likely buyers.

Microsoft is of course flush with cash and a gigantic capitalization, and there is an increasing need for a trusted networking equipment supplier.  Enter stage left Microsoft and Nokia, with Nokia recently winning a large order from UK’s BT to replace Huawei’s networking equipment.

“It’s clear that the U.S. are on the lookout for alternatives to Huawei, there’s been a lot of concern about that. Potentially Nokia could be that opportunity,” said CCS Insight’s director of consumer and connectivity, Kester Mann. “We feel that Nokia could be slightly vulnerable to an acquisition,”

There is now increasing competition in the space to fill Huawei’s gap, with Samsung and Intel both competing for the market, but Microsoft also has strong relationships with carriers related to edge computing, an important element of 5G.

“Microsoft has taken a real interest in the telecoms space. Already we’ve seen two acquisitions by them this year [Metaswitch and Affirmed Networks]… which is all about getting some expertise in the 5G and telco space and some contacts within industry. We believe Nokia could be a potential target for someone like Microsoft.”

Microsoft’s efforts to acquire TikTok should convince our readers everything is possible.  With a market cap of only $18.84 billion, it would even be cheaper than TikTok.

What do our readers think of this news? Let us know below.

via Forbes