Switzerland-based Garmin has purchased the Italian marine technology solutions provider Navionics for an undisclosed sum.

Navionics specialises in the provision of electronic navigational charts and mobile applications for use in the marine industry.

All current Navionics employees are expected to be retained by Garmin as part of the acquisition.

Navionics has previously been responsible for the development of a popular boating app, as well as a range of nautical charts for oceans, rivers, and lakes.

The company has also carried out a number of studies such as field and remote sensing surveys using satellite imagery and airborne laser scanners, which were used in the development of most of the electronic navigational charts.

“By combining Navionics’ content with Garmin’s BlueChart and LakeVü content, we will be able to offer the best available breadth and depth of coverage to our marine customers.”

Garmin president and CEO Cliff Pemble said: “Navionics has long been known as a leading supplier of highly accurate navigational charts and mobile applications for boaters.

“By combining Navionics’ content with Garmin’s BlueChart and LakeVü content, we will be able to offer the best available breadth and depth of coverage to our marine customers.

“Going forward, we plan to retain the Navionics brand and will continue to support Navionics’ existing customers.”

Garmin currently possesses subsidiaries in the US, UK and Taiwan, and employs roughly 11,500 personnel across its various global operations.

The company primarily offers GPS navigation and wearable technology to the automotive, aviation, marine, outdoor and fitness markets.