Navman

Established in 1986 as New Zealand-based Talon Technology, Navman (as the company became known in the 1990s) is a GPS systems company providing stand-alone GPS units, OEM GPS modules, GPS software for Palm handhelds and Pocket PCs, automotive navigation systems and navigation systems for use at sea.

Acquired by Brunswick Corporation in June 2004, the Navman PND (Portable Navigation Device) division was subsequently sold to MiTAC in the first half of 2007 and this business retains principal use of the Navman brand, including the navman.com website. Software development continues in New Zealand with sales, marketing and support primarily based in Gatwick, UK.

The Navman Marine division designs and manufactures fish finders, sonar, VHF radios, autopilots and sailing instruments and was sold by Brunswick to the Norwegian company Navico in April 2007.

The remaining Navman divisions are Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking Solutions and Navman Wireless OEM. These two business were sold by Brunswick in a single management buy out transaction in mid 2007. The company is doing business as Navman Wireless.

After being purchased by Brunswick and becoming part of Brunswick New Technology, the company struggled to turn a profit and a mass exodus of senior management staff ensued. The company was sold to MiTAC International Corporation in 2008.

Navman-branded devices are still sold in Australia, New Zealand and in key markets across Europe alongside devices from Mio.