Nokia acquires social networker Plazes

Nokia Corp. added another social networking business to its portfolio, acquiring Plazes AG for an undisclosed sum.
Operating primarily out of Berlin with 13 employees, Plazes offers a context-aware community that encourages users to post where they are and what they’re doing. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2008.
“In addition to the key assets, through this acquisition Nokia will bring on a visionary team with an advanced understanding of social-activity services, as well as the technical ability to further develop this area,” said Niklas Savander, head of Nokia’s Services and Software division.
Social networking is expected to play a prominent role in Ovi, Nokia’s direct-to-consumer umbrella brand that will comprise music, games, mapping and other wireless offerings. The Finnish handset manufacturer last year acquired Tango, a Seattle-based social networking startup, and the company recently launched MOSH, a community centered on mobile content.