Microsoft Acquires Mobile Ad Provider

Almost exactly a year following its acquisition of in-game advertiser Massive, Microsoft further expanded its ad reach Thursday with the purchase of mobile advertiser ScreenTonic. Based in Paris, ScreenTonic provides advertisers a variety of ways to reach mobile users and has deals with wireless operators.

Microsoft plans to integrate ScreenTonic's offerings into its Digital Advertising Solutions division, enabling marketers to reach an audience that spans the computer, game console and mobile phone. Microsoft says it will now "be able to provide relevant ads where consumers are, when they are actively engaged and communicating." Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.