Microsoft-Nokia deal delayed until April

Microsoft’s push into the cellphone business will have to wait just a little bit longer. The American technology giant said on Monday that its 5.4 billion euro, or $7.5 billion, takeover of Nokia’s handset business was now expected to close in April. The deal, which will allow Microsoft to expand its presence in the global smartphone market to compete directly with the likes of Apple and Samsung, had been expected to be completed by the end of March. Microsoft said the delay was due to outstanding regulatory approval from a number of authorities. That includes regulators in Asian countries like China, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the issue publicly.