Sprint acquires mobile software partner Handmark

Sprint Nextel (NYSE:S) is bringing a longtime partner into the fold. The carrier confirmed that it acquired mobile software development and distribution firm Handmark, along with its social media apps and ad unit, OneLouder. The deal officially closed last month but financial terms were not disclosed. Thirteen-year-old Handmark is headquartered just 20 miles north of Sprint's Overland Park, Kan., headquarters and the companies have partnered on multiple initiatives over the years, including news app Pocket Express as well as the Sprint ID app bundle program. In mid-2011, Handmark spun off OneLouder, which builds social-themed apps including Twitter client TweetCaster and Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) counterpart FriendCaster. "Bringing the capabilities of Handmark and OneLouder in-house is an exciting move as we position Sprint for market leadership in emerging mobile products and services," Mike Cooley, vice president of New Ventures at Sprint, said in a statement. Article