Dec 14 2009
Monotype Imaging Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: TYPE), a leading global provider of text imaging solutions, today announced it has acquired Planetweb, Inc., a global provider of embedded user interface software and developer tools for the consumer electronics industry.
The acquisition is expected to broaden Monotype Imaging’s value to manufacturers and developers of consumer electronics devices through products that integrate the company’s fonts and font technologies with Planetweb’s graphical user interface solutions.
Under the terms of the agreement, Monotype Imaging has purchased the principal assets of privately held Planetweb for $1.9 million in cash.
“We’re focused on combining technology with design to help the world communicate,” said Doug Shaw, president and chief executive officer at Monotype Imaging. “By integrating our iType® font engine, WorldType® Layout Engine and fonts into Planetweb’s UI solution, we can provide unique value that allows OEMs and developers to differentiate their offerings, reduce time to market and broaden their products’ worldwide appeal.”
“Since 1996, Planetweb has been delivering new types of product experiences to people around the globe,” said Ken Soohoo, president and chief executive officer at Planetweb, based in Redwood Shores, Calif. “We look forward to building on our momentum as part of Monotype Imaging, which shares our vision for delivering engaging, highly interactive branded user interfaces and applications to devices in everyday life.”
Planetweb’s flagship product is its SpectraWorks™ software, a hardware- and OS-independent suite of technologies for developing embedded graphical user interfaces quickly and inexpensively. Licensed to OEMs, developers and designers, SpectraWorks enables the design of highly interactive UIs and applications for CE devices such as digital cameras, set-top boxes, high-definition DVD players and consumer appliances. Technologies from Planetweb are shipped across a variety of products annually from leading CE device manufacturers worldwide.