Nokia Corp. (NOK NOK1V.HE) is considering buying networking-gear
maker Juniper Networks (JNPR) to merge it with its Nokia Siemens
Networks division, Germany's Manager Magazin Online reports
Thursday, citing sources familiar with the situation.
The Nokia board and NSN management are considering deepening the
existing sales cooperation with Juniper and possibly merging, the
report says, adding that NSN Chief Executive Rajeev Suri traveled
to the U.S. late last year to explore Juniper management's
options.
A takeover of the U.S. company could be a financial challenge
for Nokia, given that Juniper's current market value is nearly $14
billion dollars and Nokia will be obliged to offer a premium to
Juniper shareholders.
Nokia, which is selling its handset business to Microsoft Corp.
(MSFT) for 5.4 billion euros ($7.3 billion), is under pressure to
put the proceeds of the sale to use, the report says.
NSN weren't immediately available for comment.
Magazine website: www.manager-magazin.de
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