Nokia Inc. said it will take over Montreal-based Oz Communications, a provider of mobile email and instant messaging services for an undisclosed sum, in a move that forms a part of the company’s bid to beef up its portfolio, taking it beyond handsets.

The two companies have shared a close tie since 2003, making the acquisition by Nokia a natural extension of partnership, opined Jim Knapil, CEO and President of OZ Communications.

On completion of the acquisition, OZ Communications will become a part of Nokia’s Services and Software group. OZ is a five-year old company with strength of 220 staffs and currently has a subscriber base of 5.5 million users and provides mobile access to instant messaging and email services.

The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter.