HTC buys mobile app developer Abaxia
In a move designed to bring the creation of mobile software in-house, HTC acquires the Paris-based software shop.
Smartphone maker HTC has bought mobile app developer Abaxia.
Based in Paris, Abaxia creates mobile applications for network carriers and handset manufacturers. The company designs software that allows mobile phone makers to customize and add features to the home screens of their handsets to give them a consistent look and feel. Counting Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, and of course HTC, among its customers, Abaxia said that it has provided software to 60 different handset models.
The acquisition is a way for HTC to boost mobile app development under its own roof.
"The addition of Abaxia deepens and broadens our software development capabilities so that we can innovate at an even faster pace," HTC CEO Peter Chou said in a statement Monday.
Abaxia's CEO, Cedric Mangaud, sees the two businesses complementing each other since the companies have already worked closely together before.
The deal follows HTC's 2008 purchase of design firm One & Co. Design, a move geared toward creating a unique look and feel for HTC handsets.
After a rough 2009, HTC has been eyeing a turnaround this year with a slew of new products in its portfolio. The company is counting on heavy demand for its new Evo 4G, which launched last week as the first 4G smartphone in the U.S.
The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reported Monday that HTC said it would pay $13.2 million for Abaxia, but HTC would not confirm that information.