Finland's Nokia announced on Tuesday, April 14, that it was in advanced talks to purchase all of its Franco-American rival Alcatel-Lucent.

"Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent confirm that they are in advanced discussions with respect to a potential full merger, which would take the form of a public exchange offer by Nokia for Alcatel-Lucent," said a statement.

"There can be no certainty at this stage that these discussions will result in any agreement or transaction," it added.

The announcement came a day after reports that Nokia was in talks to acquire Alcatel-Lucent's wireless infrastructure.