Microsoft Buys ScreenTonic

Microsoft has agreed to acquire mobile advertising company ScreenTonic SA, in a move that combines the breadth of Microsofts Digital Advertising Solutions offerings with the ScreenTonics mobile expertise and industry relationships, to help advertisers reach a global audience of mobile users.
ScreenTonics mobile solutions provide advertisers with a range of ad formats, from display to text, as well as ad management and reporting capabilities, while serving the needs of mobile operators and independent publishers equally. ScreenTonic will continue to operate out of its current headquarters in Paris. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.
Microsoft says the acquisition of ScreenTonic, in addition to Microsofts work with industry groups such as the Mobile Marketing Association and the Interactive Advertising Bureau, is an extension of the companys commitment to connect advertisers with their target audiences at home, at work and on the go across multiple digital devices such as PCs, Xbox video game systems and mobile phones.
The mobile Internet is an extraordinary vehicle for brands to connect with their target audiences, because devices like cellphones enable interaction to take place virtually anywhere or anytime,” says Steve Berkowitz, Senior Vice President of the Online Services Group at Microsoft. The acquisition of ScreenTonic will be part of our long-term strategy to deliver ad experiences that map to the environment. Together, we will be able to provide relevant ads where consumers are, when they are actively engaged and communicating.”
Berkowitz says it is important for Microsoft to deliver ad experiences that are mutually beneficial to publishers, mobile operators and consumers alike. ScreenTonic has relationships with some of the largest mobile operators in Belgium, France and the UK.
Mobile advertising is expected to experience tremendous growth over the next five years,” says Didier Kuhn, CEO and Co-founder of ScreenTonic. We are very excited to expand our presence in this exciting marketplace with Microsoft. Were confident that the combined strengths, services expertise and talent of our companies will deliver a great experience for advertisers, publishers and mobile operators alike.”