Nokia-branded phones set for comeback in 2017 as HMD takes charge

HELSINKI, December 1 (Reuters) - Finland's Nokia on Thursday announced that its deal with HMD Global Oy, a new company formed to revive the Nokia brand in phones, has come into force and that HMD has opened for business.   HMD said the first smartphone products carrying Nokia's name would be launched in the first half of 2017, while the company will continue operating its Nokia-branded low-cost phone business.   "With a leading position in the feature phone market already, HMD has a significant global foothold ...from day one," HMD said in a statement.