Skype acquires GroupMe mobile messaging provider

Videoconferencing giant Skype is acquiring of New York-based mobile group messaging service provider GroupMe. While it did not disclose terms of the deal, Skype said the acquisition will help it provide a "global multi-modal and multi-platform communications experience." "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," said Skype CEO Tony Bates. He said GroupMe 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." For his part, Jared Hecht, GroupMe's Co-Founder, said there is a natural affinity between Skype and GroupMe. He added their goal is to continue developing tools that make it easier for people to communicate, share, and stay in touch with their close and important ties. "Integrating GroupMe into the Skype experience is an amazing opportunity for us and accelerates the execution of our vision tenfold," added Steve Martocci, GroupMe's Co-Founder. Skype said its acquisition of GroupMe complements its leadership in voice and video communications "by providing best in class text-based communications and innovative features" that enable users to "connect, share locations and photos and make plans with their closest ties." "This, coupled with the acquisition of mobile video provider Qik, which Skype announced earlier this year, augments Skype's role as an innovator in driving unique mobile user experiences," it added. GroupMe was founded in 2010 at the Techcrunch Disrupt Hackathon and is headquartered in New York. Earlier this year, Skype was acquired by software giant Microsoft for $8.5 billion. It has also collaborated with social networking juggernaut Facebook in offering a video chat feature for Facebook's users. — TJD, GMA News