Browser company Opera Software has acquired Handster, a US-based business that offers a mobile application store platform.
Handster supplies services to mobile operators, device manufacturers and application stores. As well as providing the world’s largest independent collection of Android apps, its platform supports Java, Symbian, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, netbook and tablet applications.
Opera launched its own app store in March this year.
Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software, said “Opera is evolving from being a browser company into a fully integrated mobile services company and this acquisition is an important step in that direction. We are delighted to welcome the Handster team into the Opera family. Handster will enable us to strengthen our mobile store offerings to consumers, mobile operators and handset manufacturers.”
Handster founder and CEO Victor Shaburov will join the Opera Mobile Consumer and Publisher management team.