Nokia files for EU permission to buy Alcatel-Lucent

Decision due by July 27

The European Commission has set 27 July as D-Day for its decision on the Nokia/Alcatel-Lucent takeover.

The €15.6 billion deal, first announced in April, was waved through US approval by the Department of Justice last week.

The European Commission's Website doesn't say much, but does at least give us the EC's anticipated decision date.

According to Reuters the EC can either clear the deal, or extend its preliminary review by 10 days.

The extension, if needed, would let Nokia offer concessions should the EC raise competition concerns. The transaction would put Nokia ahead of Chinese giant Huawei in size, but still lagging behind Ericsson. ®