Microsoft to Buy Navision

The goals of the acquisition are to bring together the geographic and product strengths of Navision with Microsoft's Great Plains business solutions division. Microsoft says the combination will enhance its ability to deliver interconnected .Net business solutions for SMBs

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According to a press release posted by Microsoft, the total acquisition value is estimated at roughly $1.3 billion. Navision's employees will remain with the Great Plains division, which will expand the team to a total of 3,600 people worldwide.

"The combined vision, business strategy and product offerings of Microsoft and Navision will provide great benefits to small and midmarket customers, and will create strong growth opportunities for Microsoft," said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer in a statement. "Many business processes in these companies are not yet benefiting from the efficiencies that technology offers. Microsoft and the Navision team together are committed to delivering compelling and powerful solutions and products to this important and large market segment, through our partners, that will enable businesses to be more competitive, agile and productive."

Navision's co-CEOs will remain involved with the company: Jesper Balser will be director of global strategy, and Preben Damgaard will be director of EMEA operations for Microsoft Business Solutions, based out of Vedbaek.