Tencent, the Chinese web giant and also the world's fourth largest internet company, has invested in a China map service provider Linktech Navi.
Terms of the deal were not announced.
However, local media reports that Tencent has acquired 100% stake in Linktech Navi for $9.92 million.
Tencent official Catherine Chan told Tnooz:
"We recently invested in Linktech Navi, a mapping service provider in China, to strengthen our capability to deliver a better product experience to our users. The investment amount is not disclosed."
Founded in 2011, the Beijing-based company Linktech Navi has A grade qualification of surveying and mapping.
The company's key products include: electronic maps, Navigation System Software, GPS Monitoring and Scheduling System Platform, LBS integrated application system, and Web Map application system.
Tencent started its map service in late 2011 under the brand name Soso, but recently re-branded to Tencent Maps.
A year ago, Tencent launched its Street View imagery service in China, now the service has the most comprehensive coverage in China, with more than 100 cities covered in the system.
Recently, Tencent invested a total of $45 million in Didi Dache, one of China's leading mobile taxi hailing app. Tencent also integrated Didi service with its Tencent Maps.
Tencent is also one of the largest shareholders of eLong, one of the leading OTAs in China.