Nokia in Alcatel takeover talks

(ANSA) - Rome, 14 APR - Nokia is in "advanced" talks to buy smaller French rival Alcatel-Lucent, the Finnish telecom maker said Tuesday.
    In a joint announcement, the companies said they were in "advanced discussions" on a "full combination, which would take the form of a public exchange offer by Nokia for Alcatel-Lucent". The two, which have been seen as a possible combination for several years, warned the talks could still fall apart.
    Shares in Alcatel, a group worth about 11 billion euros based on Monday's closing share price, rose 14% on the news.
    Shares in Nokia, worth about 29 billion euros, dropped 7%.