THE growth of pay-as-you-go road pricing directives across Europe has prompted transport conglomerate Sanef to acquire telematics company Masternaut in a multi-million pound deal. Sanef is keen to launch a major assault on the European telematics market and the takeover gives it access to a company that already specialises in this area.

Sanef is a specialist in road toll technology and infrastructure. Masternaut delivers live vehicle information via the internet with on-board telematics linked to GPS satellites and mobile communications technology.

The companies say new generation electronic road pricing schemes will rely on exactly this type of technology and Masternaut gives Sanef 'a ready-made platform to develop competitive systems and services for European-wide schemes'.

The impact for Masternaut in the UK is described as strategically important for the future as the UK Government embarks on wider road pricing schemes.

Masternaut managing director Martin Port said: 'Sanef provides Masternaut with a significant European backer which has extensive experience worldwide in transport technology and especially toll road schemes. The tie-up with Sanef will further boost our research and development and provide invaluable know-how at the highest levels of EU government.'

The company manages the movements of 12,000 vehicles in Europe in real-time and has also seen an increase in the use of new handheld technology that gives live information on service, delivery or sales calls and navigates the driver to their appointment or job.