Samsung Electronics denied a report that the Korean tech giant may be interested in buying Nokia Health to expand its healthcare portfolio.

French newspaper Le Monde on Thursday reported that Samsung was considered to be one of the four bidders for Nokia's healthcare unit. The other three included Google's smart home division Nest, and the other two were French companies, according to the newspaper.

However, a Samsung official rejected the rumor, saying "we have not heard about it."

Samsung has already an agreement with the Dutch firm Philips to develop connected devices using one another's technologies. According to the deal, users of Samsung's internet of things (IoT) platform ARTIK will be able connect to the Philips' HealthSuite Digital platform.

The digital healthcare sector has been regarded as a newly emerging business, which includes wearable medical devices and home healthcare products / services.

Nokia Health's products include a body scale, activity trackers and sleep sensors. But the company has failed to meet original targets so far. The Finish company is facing financial problems following last October's write down of $164 million on its digital health business.