Chinese search engine Baidu is paying $1.9bn ($1.2bn) to acquire 91 Wireless Websoft from NetDragon, in an attempt to move beyond its current search offering. 91 Wireless operates the 91 Assistant and HiMarket app stores in China, which have between them clocked up more than 10bn downloads. The firm and is also an app developer.
Baidu is paying Netdragon $1.09bn for its 57.4 per cent stake, with the remaining $800 paid to the owners of the remaining 42.6 per cent stake. 
The deal is the largest paid by a web firm in China, and reflects the strength of Baidu’s desire to tap into rapidly-rising mobile internet usage in the country.
