Samsung Electronics Co. yesterday declined to comment on market speculation that it could be preparing a bid for ailing Finland-based handset maker Nokia Corp.

Nokia spokeswoman Mona Kokkonen also said the company doesn’t comment on rumors.

The speculation comes a week after Nokia’s CEO Stephen Elop described as “baseless” a blog report that Microsoft wanted to buy the company. Nokia closed yesterday at $6.23, a 19-year low.