Twitter has reportedly purchased UK-based social media app Tweetdeck for $40m, as the micro-blogging site looks to clamp down on thrid party apps.
CNN cites unnamed sources that the deal was signed on Monday.
Twitter and TweetDeck are yet to confirm the acquisition, which was first reported by TechCrunch this month, with Twitter’s global PR account saying “we continue to not comment on rumors.”
Back in February it was reported that UberMedia, which owns other Twitter apps, might buy Tweetdeck, but the deal was never finalised. At the same time Twitter denied access to UberMedia apps UberTwitter and twidroyd, saying that there had been policy violations.
This started a so-called bidding war between Twitter and UberMedia, which has three popular third-party mobile clients. UberMedia had reportedly negotiated to acquire TweetDeck but Twitter stepped in.
Twitter’s acquisition of TweetDeck is part of the micro-blogging firm’s plans to deter new third-party clients to duplicate the functionality of its official apps and website.
East London-based Tweet Deck launched in 2008, and has since generated more than 20 million downloads.
The company’s free software updates and manages social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook.
Twitter has made other acquisitions in recent times aimed at bringing more of its large userbase more firmly inside its tent. The firm bought in Tweetie last year, so getting the iPhone fanbois, and has partnered with the popular add-on TwitPic.
