Will Microsoft buy Nokia's smartphone business?

Microsoft may buy Nokia smartphone business in the second half of the 2012, according to reports.

The news comes via Nokia leak-master Eldar Murtazin – a man who has been known to be correct on more than a few occassions.

Murtazin leaked the news via Twitter yesterday:

'Steve Ballmer, Andy Lees and Stephen Elop and Kai Ostamo will meet in Las Vegas to finalize agreement about Nokia smartphone unit. Bye Nokia'

According to Murtazin the deal will be finalised in the second half of 2012 for about $19 billion to $21 billion.

If this deal comes through Nokia-Windows phones will no longer bear Nokia's logo and the Finnish giant will be left with only feature phones and its Symbian devices.

The company's shares have depreciated by more than 20 per cent since October 26. Following news of the potential Microsoft buy-out, Nokia stock value rose 3 per cent.

Rumours about the acquisition have been in the air for long time but Nokia has always denied it vehemently. 

There has been no official comment from either Nokia or Microsoft on these allegations.