Finland-based phone maker Nokia says it is “sharpening its strategy, improving its operating model and returning the company to profitable growth” by laying off up to 10,000 employees by the end of 2013, and selling off its high-end Vertus line.

“While planning to significantly reduce its operating expenses, Nokia remains focused on the unique experiences offered by its smartphones and feature phones, including an increased emphasis on location-based services,” the company says. Nokia will “substantially reduce its headcount and reducing its factory footprint,” as well as “certain research and development projects, resulting in the planned closure of its facilities in Ulm, Germany and Burnaby, Canada.”

The acquisition of “world-class imaging specialists as well as all technologies and intellectual property from Scalado AB” will combine Nokia’s “leadership in camera devices with their expertise in imaging,” the company says, “helping people move beyond taking pictures to capturing moments and emotions and then reliving them in many different ways.”

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the third quarter of 2012. The terms of the transaction are confidential. Scalado AB will remain a separate company to service its present customer agreements and obligations. “The main task of Scalado AB will be to continue to work with its customers honoring existing delivery and support obligations and fulfilling any and all obligations in relation to its existing customers. It will not be seeking new work with existing or new customers,” Nokia says.

Nokia is acquiring is “all of Scalado’s technologies and IP, along with 50-60 talented mobile imaging specialists from Scalado; they’ll remain in Lund which will become a key site for us in mobile imaging, alongside Espoo and Tampere in Finland.”

“We are very excited about this opportunity, which is a natural next step in our longstanding relationship with Nokia,” Scalado says.