IMImobile acquires UK application firm

Hyderabad-based IMImobile, a provider of technology infrastructure for mobile data, has acquired UK-based digital agency Skinkers for an undisclosed amount.

Skinkers has pioneered the use of desktop applications since early 2000, and recently had developed innovative iPhone/iPad and Android applications for some of the world’s best-known organisations and brands, including American Airlines, BBC, Haymarket, Microsoft, NDS, Spectator and Virgin Atlantic.

Vishwanath Alluri, founder and chairman of IMImobile, said, "After our acquisition of WIN PLC in 2010, this is another important milestone for the company as we drive our strategy of an open global mobile market for new applications and services.”

Skinkers’ capabilities would be combined with IMImobile’s DaVinci evolved service platform to offer end-to-end solutions in 2-screen interactive TV, m-commerce and customer care, Alluri added in the press release on Tuesday.

“We see an increased demand for multi-device applications across our business, especially within the broadcasting and enterprise sectors. The use of smartphones and tablets offers a new medium for communication and the consumption of content,” he said.

Skinkers brings an excellent understanding of digital application development, user-interface design as well as great expertise around how to use the latest web and social network technologies, the company said.

David Long, chief executive of Skinkers said, “We are looking forward to utilising IMImobile’s existing global network capabilities to extend and complement our offering with mobile services like messaging and mobile payments.”