Nokia to acquire mobile browser firm Novarra

Nokia in a statement said that it has signed an agreement to acquire 100 per cent of the outstanding shares of Novarra. The company, however, did not disclose financial details. The acquisition, subject to regulatory approvals,  is expected to close in the second quarter of 2010, it said.

Novarra is known for developing web browser as well as platforms to serve content, advertisements and videos. The privately held company's mobile browser and services platform would be used by Nokia to deliver enhanced Internet experiences on its mobile devices. Nokia said that browser service technology would provide improved mobile web experience on its mainstream mobile phones.

The mobile browser technology would be put onto Nokia Series 40 mobile system, which is one of the most widely used mobile software, the company said. Novarra, which has more than 100 employees, currently works with Vodafone, Verizon Wireless, Yahoo, Qualcomm and other leading companies that would provide Nokia an impressive client portfolio for its new mobile web browser. "Connecting the next billion consumers to the Internet will happen primarily on mobile devices," Nokia Executive Vice President (Services) Niklas Savander said.