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Apple’s plan to improve its Maps application may include buying TomTom

Published Dec 12th, 2012 5:34PM EST
Apple TomTom Acquisition

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What better way to quickly improve Apple (AAPL) Maps than by buying a company that’s already built a popular mobile navigation platform? Bloomberg reports that Rabobank International analyst Hans Slob estimates there’s a 30% chance that Apple will buy TomTom, the Dutch software developer that has made its name in mobile by delivering a strong iOS navigation app. A merger would make plenty of sense for both companies because, as Slob puts it, “TomTom needs the cash from Apple, and Apple needs the know-how of TomTom.” Needless to say, Apple has come under more pressure to fix its mapping software this week after authorities in Australia said that the application was responsible for stranding several Australians in the middle of a national park with no access to food or water.

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.