The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) of Russia approved the application of Microsoft International Holdings BV to purchase 100% of Nokia LLC, the Russian representative office of the Finnish manufacturer Nokia, whose mobile business is being bought by Microsoft, according to the website of the antimonopoly agency.

Microsoft and Nokia in early September announced an agreement under which the American company would acquire the production of mobile devices from Nokia. The transaction amount will be $7.2 billion (including patents). After the sale of the mobile business, Nokia will have a business producing telecommunications equipment, developing geolocation services and new technologies. Several Nokia top managers are expected to move to Microsoft, including Nokia CEO Stephen Elop, who is tipped to take over as CEO instead of the retiring Steve Ballmer (No. 51 in the global ranking of billionaires according to Forbes, net worth $15.2 billion).

Nokia has faced financial difficulties due to growing competition in the mobile device market. In the second quarter of 2013, the manufacturer's revenue decreased by 24% compared to the same period in 2012 - to €5.7 billion. The net loss amounted to €278 million.

FAS allowed Microsoft to buy the Russian representative office of Nokia