Facebook eyes USD 1bn deal for GPS app Waze

Image
AFP New York
Last Updated : May 10 2013 | 11:55 PM IST
Facebook is in talks on a potential USD 1 billion deal to buy the Israel-based GPS mobile navigation app Waze, The Wall Street Journal reported.
The report late yesterday, citing unnamed sources, said the discussions were "serious" but that no deal had been finalized.
Waze, which claims more than 40 million users, could allow the world's biggest social network to expand its offerings in areas such as driving directions, or avoiding traffic jams or car accidents.
Waze describes itself as an app bringing together "the world's largest community of drivers who work together to fight traffic, and save time and gas money on their daily commute."
Facebook declined to comment on the report.
The Journal said Facebook could use the app to expand its mobile offerings and get a foothold in the field of online maps.
It would one of the biggest deals ever for Facebook, which last year took over Instagram in a stock deal initially pegged at USD 1 billion, hut with a final value of USD 747 million due to the drop in Facebook shares.
Facebook shares were down 1.08 percent at USD 26.75 in midday trade.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 10 2013 | 11:55 PM IST

Next Story