Nokia will acquire gate5, a supplier of mapping, routing and navigation software and services. After acquisition, Nokia will offer consumers maps, routing, navigation and other location based applications on its mobile devices.

gate5 was founded in 1999, is privately owned, has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany. It provides software to personal navigation device manufacturers around the world. All applications are extendable with more than 5,000 city guides, travel guides or services.

“Maps and navigation are natural elements to be offered in mobile devices but this area hasn’t developed as fast as expected by the market. Acquiring gate5 enables Nokia to offer consumers the world-leading mobile location applications, such as maps, routing and navigation at an accelerated speed.” said Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Multimedia, Nokia.

“The Personal Navigation Device market is in a rapid growth phase with the global market size expected to reach 15 million units in 2006 compared with 8 million units in 2005. By integrating the maps and navigation capabilities into our devices, Nokia will participate in this growth. Nokia Nseries multimedia computers offer people new ways to explore their world – navigation and maps enhance this journey and add to the overall experience,” continued Anssi Vanjoki.

“Based on maps and routing functionality, there are countless useful features for mobile users; e.g. travel guides, search what is around you including restaurants, hotels, shops, etc. anything you need in your surroundings,” said Dr. Michael Halbherr, CEO, gate5.
Nokia will continue to support gate5′s PND (personal navigation device) customers. It will also continue to support gate5′s multi-platform strategy for mobile devices, including Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile, Palm and Java platforms. Large display personal devices such as the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet are perfect for maps and navigation purposes and by integrating the gate5 platform into these devices, Nokia can build the industry leading location experience for consumers.

The transaction is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2006.