(Telecompaper) Nokia and Alcatel-Lucent confirmed they are in advanced talks on a potential merger. The offer would take the form of a public bid by Nokia for Alcatel-Lucent. Speculation of such a merger resurfaced following reports that Nokia has put its mapping and navigation division Here up for sale. This would leave the company solely focused on network equipment. Bloomberg reported earlier citing people familiar with the matter that Nokia was in advanced negotiations to acquire Alcatel-Lucent's wireless division.