According to a report by Bloomberg News, Samsung is showing interest in Nokia’s mobile networks

(Reuters) – Telecommunications equipment maker Nokia is reviewing options for its mobile phone business and has attracted interest from suitors such as Samsung Electronics, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

According to Bloomberg, Nokia has considered several options, including divestment, selling some or all of its mobile phone divisions, which could be worth as much as $10 billion, and merging the business with a competitor.

The news comes after Nokia reported last month that its second-quarter operating profit fell 32% due to weak demand for 5G telecom equipment.

Samsung, the world's largest maker of memory chips, smartphones and televisions, has expressed interest in acquiring some Nokia assets to expand its position in radio access networks that connect mobile phones to telecom infrastructure, according to the report. Talks are still at an early stage and there is no guarantee that a deal will go through, the report said.

Nokia told Reuters that it does not comment on market rumors or speculation, but said the Finnish company is committed to the success of its mobile networks, “a highly strategic asset for both Nokia and its customers.”

Samsung Electronics declined to comment on the Bloomberg report.

(Reporting by Pretish MJ in Bengaluru and Supantha Mukherjee in Stockholm; Editing by Susan Fenton)