Nokia

Nokia was founded by Fredrik Idestam on May 12, 1865, as a single paper mill operation in the town of Tampere, in what is now Finland. The company was named after the Nokianvirta River, which was a suitable location for the mill's operations. The company expanded to various sectors over time, including rubber, cables, and eventually electronics, particularly telecommunications.

In 1967, Nokia Ab, Finnish Rubber Works, and Finnish Cable Works merged to create the Nokia Corporation we know today. This merger was crucial as it combined resources across different sectors, allowing the company to diversify its operations. With this expansion, Nokia Corporation was involved in a wide range of industries including producing cables, consumer electronics, rubber boots, tires, television sets, and other products.

Nokia launched its first digital product in 1982, the Nokia DX 200. This digital telephone switch was a significant technological advancement for the company, marking its transition into the telecommunications industry. The DX 200's software architecture was implemented using a high-level language with its own real-time operating system, setting the foundation for future innovations in telecom technologies.

In 1992, then-CEO Jorma Ollila made a strategic decision to focus Nokia's operations on telecommunications, moving away from its other businesses. This shift was pivotal as Nokia decided to prioritize mobile phones and telecommunications infrastructure. This focus on growth areas helped transform the company into one of the leading mobile phone manufacturers and telecommunications equipment suppliers in the world.

By 1998, Nokia had established itself as the world's largest mobile phone manufacturer, surpassing its rivals. This achievement was the result of its focus on telecommunications and innovation in mobile phone technology. The company's market leadership was driven by the popularity of its feature-rich and user-friendly mobile phones, such as the iconic Nokia 5110 and Nokia 3210 models.

In October 2003, Nokia launched the Nokia 1100, which became one of the best-selling mobile phones and consumer electronics devices in the world. Its simple design and affordable price made it extremely popular, particularly in emerging markets. The Nokia 1100 was heralded for its durability, user-friendly interface, and a long-lasting battery, selling over 250 million units by the end of its production.

On February 11, 2011, Nokia announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft. This decision marked a significant shift in Nokia's mobile strategy as it planned to adopt the Windows Phone operating system for its smartphones, moving away from its proprietary Symbian OS. This partnership aimed to leverage both companies' strengths and counter increasing competition from iOS and Android platforms.

On September 3, 2013, Microsoft announced the acquisition of Nokia's Devices and Services division. The deal, valued at over 5 billion euros, was aimed at enhancing Microsoft's mobile device offerings. This acquisition included Nokia's operations related to its mobile phones, giving Microsoft access to Nokia's industry-leading hardware design and services capabilities.

The acquisition of Nokia's mobile device business by Microsoft was completed on April 25, 2014. This move was part of Microsoft's plan to bolster its position in the mobile market, integrating Nokia's hardware capabilities with Microsoft's software expertise. The deal was a landmark in technological mergers and affected both companies' market strategies significantly.

On May 18, 2016, Nokia announced its return to the consumer electronics market by licensing its brand to HMD Global. This Finnish company was founded to create Nokia-branded mobile phones and tablets. The announcement marked a significant comeback for Nokia after its mobile phone business was sold to Microsoft. HMD aimed to bring back the iconic Nokia quality and design to new devices.