Nokia Siemens Networks nears 30% stake sale to private equity

After reportedly stalling in its search for private equity investment just a month ago, Nokia Siemens Networks is now in talks to sell off a minority stake of about 30% to a consortium of private-equity firms. Blackstone Group LP and Gores Group are still unset on price because, among other things, NSN’s acquisition of Motorola Inc.’s (MOT) network business hasn’t been finalized, according to the German business magazine Manager Magazin.
Nokia Siemens Networks is currently held in a 50-50 joint venture between Siemens AG (SI) and Nokia Corp. (NOK). The other private equity investors that were originally invited to the process in August have since pulled out of the bidding. The group included KKR, Apollo, Bain Capital and Silver Lake Partners. It’s also been reported that Nokia, which is being advised by Bank of America, and Siemens under the advisement of Morgan Stanley were in disagreement on a possible price tag as well.
At least one hiccup over the sale price might be resolved now that NSN has won EU regulatory approval for its $1.2 billion purchase of Motorola’s telecom network business. The European Commission also highlighted how little business Motorola has in the market though. The deal will mostly boost NSN’s presence in North America and Japan.