Navionics, a heavyweight in electronic cartography
On 27 October 2017, the American electronics group Garmin officially acquired the Italian company Navionics SpA, one of the leading suppliers of electronic navigational charts and mobile applications for yachting. Founded in 1984, Navionics is headquartered in Viareggio, Tuscany and employs over 350 people worldwide.
"Navionics has long been recognized as a leading provider of highly accurate navigation charts and mobile applications for boaters," said Cliff Pemble, CEO of Garmin.
A global development strategy
The acquisition of Navionics follows that of Active Captain in May 2017. The takeover of the editor of this mobile application, which has a large user community, particularly in the United States, already showed Garmin's interest in development through external growth. The first synergies between Garmin and Active Captain products are currently unveiled at the opening of the Fort Lauderdale Florida show.
Similar steps will probably see the light of day between Garmin and its own Blue Touch mapping and that of Navionics anticipates Thomas Doret, Garmin's French marine marketing manager. "Even though things will become clearer in the weeks to come, we can think that there will be community transfers. What is certain, in the short and medium term, is that the 2 Navionics and Garmin offers will coexist. The Navionics teams will remain in Garmin World and the operation should be close to that in place for the Fusion brand, which is also part of the Garmin group."
Strong support for Navionics
Giuseppe Carnevali, founder and president of Navionics, is delighted with the prospects opened by the integration into the Garmin group. "Since our inception, Navionics has been passionately dedicated to creating products that enhance the boating experience. Garmin shares our passion for the marine industry. It is the ideal company to ensure a future for Navionics' brand and solid reputation."
