Two more blurbs on the acquisition:

From Network World - "Microsoft's online searching service, Virtual Earth, already offers aerial images and proximity searching. However Multimap gives Microsoft an instant client base of business Website customers. Plus the two companies already had a relationship. Multimap had previously partnered with Microsoft to integrate Microsoft's MapPoint front-end software with Multimap's online services on the backend."

Microsoft buys online map company, Multimap | NetworkWorld.com Community

From IT Week - "In the continuing battle between software behemoth Microsoft and search engine giant Google, Microsoft has acquired UK tech firm Multimap, to better compete with Google Maps. Although no figures have been disclosed, the deal is rumoured to be around $50 million."

Microsoft acquires Multimap - vnunet.com

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