- Ahead of Facebook's (FB +1.1%) afternoon Q1 report, Germany's Manager Magazin reports the social networking giant has expressed interest in Nokia's (NOK +1.7%) HERE mapping/navigation services unit. Uber, a consortium of German automakers, and a P-E firm have also reportedly shown interest.
- The report comes after Nokia stated it's exploring options for HERE ahead of a planned merger with Alcatel-Lucent. The unit, which has had a tough time competing against Google Maps in Web/mobile mapping but has fared better in the automotive market, has been assigned a book value of €2B ($2.14B) by Nokia; many think it can fetch a higher price.
- Facebook's PC site currently relies on Bing Maps, and its mobile apps on Google Maps. Owning a mapping platform could help Facebook deliver a better experience when integrating user/business data and local services with maps.
- Separately, Facebook has launched Hello, an Android phone dialer app that relies on publicly-shared Facebook profile info to provide caller ID data and photos. No iOS version will launch due to Apple's app restrictions.
- Hello (currently available in the U.S., Brazil, and Nigeria) also adds Facebook profile pictures and info to a user's contact book, integrates with Messenger to support free VoIP calls, and features a search bar that can be used to search for contacts/businesses. Much like the Home Android UI (hasn't lived up to expectations), it aims to strengthen Facebook's mindshare and engagement with Android users.
- Shares are higher ahead of earnings. Though generally expecting strong numbers, several analysts have been slightly cautious due to forex concerns and high expectations; ad partner Nanigans recently reported solid Q1 figures.
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Update (6:40PM ET): Bloomberg also reports Nokia, German automakers, and P-E firms are looking at HERE. It adds Nokia has reached out to Apple, Alibaba, Baidu, Amazon, Sirius, and Harman. First-round bids are reportedly due at the end of next week.