Accenture is to extend its expertise in embedded software services for mobile phones by acquiring the Symbian Professional Services unit from handset giant Nokia.

The unit provides engineering consulting and product development services to mobile phone manufacturers, chip manufacturers and mobile operators globally, said Accenture, while Symbian's operating system is still the most widely used smartphone platform for mobile devices.

Symbian services include advanced technical support, device tuning techniques for improving the performance, memory and power of mobile devices, advanced error diagnosis and repair and "turnkey software development services" that can be used in a range of technical environments, said the consultancy.

The deal will help Accenture enhance its existing embedded software, product development and testing capabilities, according to Jean Laurent Poitou, managing director of the firm's electronics and high-tech industry group.

"The capabilities we are acquiring from Nokia will help support the tremendous growth our clients can expect from the explosive adoption of converged mobile multimedia services, and will expand Accenture's role as a key supplier of new tools, products and solutions to clients in this industry," he said.

As part of the deal, around 165 Nokia professional services engineers and consultants in the UK, US, Japan and other countries will transfer to Accenture. The deal is expected to close within 60 to 90 days. Terms were not disclosed.