3rd October - Nokia have agreed to acquire NAVTEQ, paying $78 in cash for each share of NAVTEQ including outstanding options for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $8.1 billion (EUR 5.7 billion), or approximately $7.7 billion (EUR 5.4 billion) net of NAVTEQ existing cash balance.

NAVTEQ is a provider of digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, and government and business solutions. NAVTEQ also owns Traffic.com, a web and interactive service that provides traffic information and content to consumers. The Chicago-based company was founded in 1985, generated 2006 revenues of $582 million and has approximately 3,000 employees located in 168 offices in 30 countries.

The companies say the navigation area is a fast growing business, and with location-based services expanding rapidly into mobile communications devices, the industry is poised for even further growth. NAVTEQ will continue to provide advanced map data platform to navigation industry players.

Driven by Internet and digital convergence, Nokia is expanding its offering to include areas such as entertainment, communities and location based services. Shipping with the GPS-enabled Nokia N95 multimedia computer, the Nokia Maps solution is an advanced location based service.

"Location based services are one of the cornerstones of Nokia's Internet services strategy. The acquisition of NAVTEQ is another step toward Nokia becoming a leading player in this space," said Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, President and CEO, Nokia. "By joining forces with NAVTEQ, we will be able to bring context and geographical information to a number of our Internet services with accelerated time to market. We also look forward to maintaining and enhancing the services and support provided to NAVTEQ's existing and future customers".

After completion of the transaction, NAVTEQ's current map data business will continue operationally independent, but organizationally a Nokia Group company. This will ensure that NAVTEQ's current and future customers continue to have a dedicated unit serving them as before with digital map information for automotive navigation systems, mobile navigation devices, Internet-based mapping applications, as well as government and business solutions.