NORDIC STOCKS - Factors to watch on Feb 27

HELSINKI, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The following stocks may be affected by newspaper reports and other factors on Friday:

ERICSSON (ERICb.ST), NOKIA (NOK1V.HE)

Ericsson expanded its lead in the ailing mobile network gear market in October-December as its closest rivals lost share to fast growing Chinese firms, researcher dell'Oro said. [ID:nLQ65026]

Ericsson kept its 32 percent share of the market in October-December, while the share of its closest rival Nokia Siemens Networks fell to 23 percent from 27 percent a year ago, dell'Oro said.

For more on the companies, double click on [ERICb.ST] [NOK1V.HE]

GM, SAAB (GM.N)

The Swedish government has found a possible buyer for loss-making GM unit Saab, daily Dagens Industri said quoting an unnamed source. The newspaper said Saab had already been contacted by 8 serious candidates to replace GM as owner, one of which is Swedish.

The source said the government was willing to discuss conditions for guaranteeing a loan with the European Investment Bank with parties interested in buying Saab.

DI said that GM was prepared to write off 7.8 billion Swedish crowns ($870 million) Saab owes it and provide a further 3.5 billion to keep the firm going if Saab can get other loan guarantees.

For more on the company, double click on [GM.N]

GN STORE NORD (GN.CO)

The Danish hearing aid and headset maker is seen posting a 75 percent drop in 2008 operating profit as sales slumped in a worsening global economy, a Reuters poll of analysts showed.

GN is due to report earnings at around 0700 GMT.