Microsoft has asked EU antitrust regulators to approve its 5.44-billion-euro ($7.49 billion) takeover of Nokia's phone business as part of a push into the mobile devices business.

The deal, announced last month, includes a 10-year licensing agreement of Nokia's patent portfolio.

The European Commission said it would decide by December 4 whether to clear the acquisition. It can extend the review by 10 working days if Microsoft offers concessions to allay possible competition concerns.

(Reporting by Foo Yun Chee)

(Source : Reuters)