Skype to buy messaging app developer GroupMe

Leading internet communications firm Skype has said it will acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging applications, for an undisclosed sum.

The move comes three months after software giant Microsoft announced that it will snap up Skype for about $8.5 billion.

In a statement yesterday, Skype said, "It has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire GroupMe, a provider of mobile group messaging services that help users stay in touch and make decisions."

However, the company has not disclosed the financial details of the deal.

The deal would help Skype to continue its drive to provide a global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience. GroupMe, founded in 2010, has an application that lets users text and make conference calls within a group of friends or colleagues.

The acquisition of GroupMe complements Skype's leadership in voice and video communications by providing best-in-class text-based communication and innovative features that enable users to connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest contacts.

The start-up, however, faces growing competition from Apple, Google and Facebook, which are new smartphone messaging services that include group messaging.

"Skype and GroupMe have a shared vision of creating applications and experiences that are the daily communications choice for a billion people. We will continue to seek the top talent and technology to make that vision a reality.

"The GroupMe team has created an incredibly sticky group messaging experience that works across mobile devices and platforms, making this a perfect addition to the voice, video and text products in the Skype family," Skype CEO Tony Bates said.