Nokia in Advanced Talks to Acquire Alcatel-Lucent Assets

Nokia Oyj is in advanced negotiations to acquire part of Alcatel-Lucent SA to strengthen its telecommunications-equipment business and better compete with Ericsson AB, according to people familiar with the matter.

Espoo, Finland-based Nokia may announce an agreement to buy Alcatel’s wireless assets as early as this week, the people said, asking not to be identified because the discussions are private. While a full takeover of Alcatel has also been examined, a purchase of the wireless unit remains the most likely scenario, the people said. No agreement has been reached and a deal could still fall apart, they said.