Nokia Buys Email and IM Services Provider OZ

The company that recently made a good deal with T-Mobile, namely OZ Communications, Inc., will be swallowed by the giant Nokia, as the Finnish manufacturer has announced its intention to buy it.

By owning OZ's software products, Nokia will be able to offer to its customers easy access to email and Instant Messaging services like Gmail, Hotmail, Yahoo, Windows Live, AOL and ICQ. Also, Nokia will further enhance its S40 and S60 capabilities, creating a unique portfolio of messaging solutions.

Of course, the official declarations about the Nokia – OZ deal are more than optimistic. Niklas Savander, Head of Nokia Services & Software, declared, "With OZ, Nokia is renewing its mission of Connecting People by enabling consumers to easily connect and communicate using their favorite Internet communities. OZ's team and technology will help Nokia address the fast growing consumer messaging market".

Jim Knapik, President and Chief Executive Officer at OZ, added, "OZ has been working closely with Nokia since 2003 – joining forces at this point is a natural extension of our partnership. We are excited about taking OZ's solutions to consumers worldwide by leveraging Nokia's devices and distribution scale".

No financial terms were disclosed, but a high amount of money is probably involved. The acquisition of QZ by Nokia will be completed before the year's end, since it's now subject to customary closing conditions. OZ should then become part of the Services & Software Nokia division, while the Finnish company will continue to cooperate with OZ's current customers, including all the original equipment manufacturers (OEM) and mobile operators.

Based in Montreal, Canada, OZ Communications offers monthly subscriptions to more than 5.5 million users and is a software partner for lots of leading mobile companies, including AT&T, Sprint, Alltel, Virgin Mobile, Bell Mobility, Telus, Bouygues Telecom, KPN, Telefonica, Microsoft, Samsung, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Pantech and so on.