30/11/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation on 28 November into GPS manufacturer TomTom's planned acquisition of Tele Atlas, both of The Netherlands. Tele Atlas is one of two producers of navigable digital maps, a crucial input for GPS manufacturers. The Commission's initial market investigation has indicated that the planned merger raises serious doubts with regards to vertical competition concerns. Tele Atlas is one of only two producers of navigable digital maps offering complete coverage of Europe and North America (the other being U.S firm Navteq). The Commission now has until 17 April 2008 to take a final decision. (C.D.)