Calcutta, June 10: Technology giant Microsoft is planning to leverage Nokia's strong retail distribution infrastructure to expand its reach in the country.

The development follows the Microsoft-Nokia deal in which the Washington-based company acquired the handset business of Finland-based Nokia for $7.2 billion last year.

The company plans to present Microsoft and Nokia as one face to consumers across the world and has initiated a rebranding drive with India as the first country.

Nokia's priority branded retail stores will now be called Microsoft priority reseller stores, which will primarily sell Microsoft Lumia handsets.

The transition exercise was initiated in April and the company seeks to rebrand a total of 8,872 erstwhile Nokia stores as Microsoft priority reseller store. Out of these, 441 outlets are getting a completely new design, while the rest will get the new signage by the end of June. Moreover, 119 Nokia care centres in the country will be upgraded to offer service support to both Microsoft and Nokia handsets.

Nikhil Mathur, director-B2B and operator relations, Nokia India Sales Pvt Ltd, who was in the city to launch Calcutta's first Microsoft priority reseller outlet at E-Mall (Chandni Chowk), said 94 stores located in the east and 11 stores in Calcutta would mark the transition into priority reseller outlets.

Since July last year, Microsoft has launched 11 handsets, of which seven have been under the brand name of Microsoft. Microsoft Lumia 540 dual SIM is the latest offering in the company's smartphone line-up.

"We are focusing on redefining the future of smart devices and continue to invest towards delivering truly compelling experiences. The rebranded shops will be their first experience of Microsoft as a consumer hardware manufacturer," Mathur said.