Opera Software announced today that it has acquired mobile application store platform company Handster Inc. The financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

According to the Norwegian browser company, the US-based Handster possesses the world’s largest independent Android content library and offers services to mobile operators, device manufacturers as well as application stores around the globe.

Amongst others the company’s offerings include a white-label app store platform, content management, developer tools, content curation and financial settlement services. The Handster platform supports Google’s Android mobile operating system (OS), Java, Symbian, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, netbook and tablet applications.

Handster customers include some of the world’s largest mobile operators, mobile platform providers and device manufacturers, the likes of Alcatel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei and LG.

“Opera is evolving from being a browser company into a fully integrated mobile services company and this acquisition is an important step in that direction,” said Lars Boilesen, CEO of Opera Software. “We are delighted to welcome the Handster team into the Opera family. Handster will enable us to strengthen our mobile store offerings to consumers, mobile operators and handset manufacturers.”

Opera Software’s own Opera Mobile Store launched internationally in March this year. through here the company delivers apps to customers via a variety of platforms, including Apple’s iOS, Android, BlackBerry OS, Java and Symbian.

“Handster could not have found a better suitor,” said Handster Founder and CEO Victor Shaburov. “The combination of our platform, along with Opera’s position in the market, will make a big impact on the mobile ecosystem, benefiting developers, publishers, operators and handset manufacturers around the world.”

 

In related news Opera Software and MTN signed a global agreement last month to boost mobile internet services for its 150 million mobile subscribers across Africa and the Middle East.