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Microsoft set to move in to Nokia's Espoo headquarters

Nokia will move its remaining operations to another Finland-based campus where its networking business is based.

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Roger Cheng/CNET

Microsoft isn't only taking over Nokia's Devices and Services business. It's kicking Nokia out of its offices.

Speaking to Bloomberg on Thursday, a Nokia spokesman confirmed that Nokia's remaining operations -- mapping, infrastructure, and licensing -- will move out of its Espoo headquarters to make room for Microsoft. The employees who are left with Nokia will head over to Nokia's other Finland-based campus.

The decision for Microsoft to take over Nokia's headquarters is perhaps both practical and telling. The Espoo headquarters was built in the 1990s when Nokia was near its height and signified its power over the mobile market. Now that Microsoft will be moving in, the site speaks to Nokia's decline and perhaps a rebirth with Microsoft and Windows Phone.

Earlier this week, Nokia shareholders overwhelmingly voted to approve the $7.4 billion transaction that will see Microsoft acquire Nokia's Devices and Services business and license some of the mobile firm's patents.