US Justice Department approves Microsoft-Nokia deal

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has given its approval to Microsoft's acquisition of Nokia's mobile devices and services business.

The DOJ and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) signed off on a 7.2 billion dollars deal allowing Microsoft to purchase Nokia.

According to the Verge, shareholders of the Finnish smartphone maker recently approved the deal, allowing Microsoft to ship its own Windows Phones with or without the Lumia branding.

A Microsoft spokesperson in a statement said that the company was pleased the Justice Department approved the deal and it was looking forward to the date when Nokia will become members of the Microsoft family.

An approval in the US leaves Microsoft awaiting EU approval over its deal before it can go ahead and close it fully.

Regulators in Europe are expected to approve the deal without any conditions, allowing Microsoft to purchase the core part of Nokia's phone making business, the report added.