Rumor: Microsoft to buy Nokia smartphone division in 1H,2012

Nokia sale rumors continue with a prediction that the company will sell its smartphone unit to Microsoft in a deal will be announced as early as the first half of 2012. The Finnish company share price rose over 3-percent over the speculation, Bloomberg reports, though Nokia itself remains adamant that a deal is not in the offing.

Danske Bank analysts maintain that a sale of the smartphone segment at least "makes sense", with Microsoft the likely buyer. Nokia, though, is keen to move past speculation of a sale. "We put these rumors to rest a long time ago" spokesperson Doug Dawson insists.