Japanese mobile content provider For-Side.com Co. Ltd. announced yesterday the $36.5 million purchase of Vindigo Studios, a publisher of consumer applications for mobile devices.
The all-cash deal completed this month lets Vindigo operate as an independent entity under current management and brand. The acquisition helps the 4-year-old For-Side expand its U.S. operations.
Vindigo Studios is best known for its Vindigo city guide product for Palm devices, among its 20 consumer applications for mobile phones. Other applications include those for NYTimes.com Mobile News, MovieGoer, MapQuest Mobile and Sporting News Fantasy Source.
For-Side sells ring tones, wallpapers, movie content and 3G applications for mobile devices. Besides Japan and the United States, the company also operates in South Korea and Britain.
