NAVTEQ to Buy Traffic.com
That’s the breaking news today. Sounds like a good move to me. CEO Judson Green focused on the importance of “owning” the data on the investor call this morning. Apparently, in the past, the company has been limited in sharing traffic data based on licensing from suppliers. That’s the same logic that may push other data delivery companies to acquire data creators. (GlobeXplorer and AirPhoto USA for one. Expect other similar ones down the road.)
He also highlighted the plan to change the mix of revenue from Traffic.com from 90% from media (TV, radio) to a far greater percentage in services (online, in car nav systems).
Traffic is a killer app from the GPS standpoint - it’s the most requested add on, more important than weather, movie locations etc. to consumers.
Press Release
PPT on Acquisition
