Nokia to sell security business to Check Point

Mobile-phone maker Nokia Corp. is selling its Internet security business to Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. for an undisclosed sum, the companies said Monday.

The deal lays to rest concerns raised by some analysts that Nokia, based in Finland, could sell the business to another company. Check Point's network security software already runs on Nokia's appliances and analysts warned that another buyer could have switched to a different software supplier, setting the business up as a competitor.

Israel-based Check Point said the acquisition will help it expand its lineup of security products.

Nokia, the world's leading cell phone maker, said more than 220,000 of its devices have had its security technology installed, with about 23,000 customers worldwide.

The companies said the deal should close during the first quarter but did not disclose financial details of the agreement.