Microsoft to axe up to 7,800 jobs, writes off $7.6bn from Nokia deal

Microsoft has announced it will be cutting up to 7,800 positions globally.

In a post on its company website, Microsoft said that these losses are primarily focusing on its phone hardware business, and will be taking place over the next few months.

These cuts are aimed at restructuring its phone business following its acquisition of Nokia’s phone business in 2014.

In addition the firm is writing off $7.6bn related to its purchase of Nokia – note that acquiring Nokia set Microsoft back $7.2bn.

Aside from its mobile business, there is no mention of other specific companies and therefore no specific word on whether these job losses will affect its Xbox division.

Last year, Microsoft announced it was going to be cutting 18,000 jobs – there’s no word yet whether today’s cut are a part of that, or further losses. MCV has reached out to Microsoft for some clarification.

In an email to company employees, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said: We are moving from a strategy to grow a standalone phone business to a strategy to grow and create a vibrant Windows ecosystem including our first-party device family.

In the near-term, we’ll run a more effective and focused phone portfoliowhile retaining capability for long-term reinvention in mobility.”

UPDATE: This round of 7,800 job cuts is on top of last year’s 18,000 job losses.