Microsoft Steve Ballmer Succession Now Could be Affected by Acquisition of Nokia Handset Business

Microsoft will be looking for a new CEO to replace Steve Ballmer. Microsoft has bought Nokia's entire handset business. That, in turn, means Nokia CEO Stephen Elop is an "internal" candidate for the job of Microsoft CEO, but might also make his selection harder, ironically.

Elop has been mentioned as among the logical candidates to replace Ballmer. Some have argued Microsoft needs somebody "from the outside" to reposition the company. Whether Elop should have been seen as "external" or "internal" was an issue before. 

Elop is well versed about Microsoft, and apparently already is returning to Microsoft as head of the devices team. 

But some investors and observers believe Microsoft needs an "outside" perspective. Now that Elop is back "inside" Microsoft, that could be a complication. 

How quickly events can turn.