As part of its plan to gain back its share in the mobile device market, Microsoft has asked EU antitrust regulators to approve its takeover of Nokia, according to a report by Reuters. The planned takeover of the phone business had been priced at USD7.49 billion.

The deal between Microsoft and Nokia announced last month also included a 10-year license agreement, Nokia's patent portfolio was also part of the deal.

It is to remember that the software giant had faced antitrust charges before. A complaint was filed with the European Commission of the European Union in 1993. The complaint was filed by Novell over licensing practices. The European Commission decided in favor of Novell. The Commission said Microsoft abused its market position and that under the European Union's competition law, the tech company's actions were tantamount to a monopoly.

According to reports, the European Commission was expected to decide whether it would allow Microsoft to acquire Nokia by December 4th. The European Commission's decision could even extend for 10 more days should the software giant offer concessions.