Cell Phone Maker Takes Stake In GPS Firm

A division of Motorola, Inc., the giant communications company, has made an investment in Global Locate, a firm specializing in Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, Motorola announced yesterday. Financial details of the deal were not announced.

Based in San Jose, California, privately owned Global Locate's GPS technology is widely used in the mobile wireless industry. The company's IndoorGPS(R) technology is used in mobile wireless devices, including handsets, smartphones, PNDs, Two Way Radios, and Automotive applications.

A Fortune 100 company, Motorola reported sales in the U.S. of $31.3 billion in 2004 of its communication devices, primarily radios and cell phones. Reading between the lines, it would seem that Motorola is making a bet on the increasing popularity of GPS-enabled cell phones and other devices. Warren Holtsberg, corporate vice president for equity investments at Motorola seemed to say as much when he said, "Global Locate's technology is highly complementary with Motorola's vision of seamless mobility and we are pleased to support the company with this strategic investment."