Japanese telecom SoftBank tipped to acquire DreamWorks Animation

Japanese telecommunications and internet giant SoftBank is reportedly working on a deal to acquire DreamWorks Animation. Reports claim SoftBank is offering US$32 per share compared to DreamWorks Animation’s current $22 price. It isn’t clear how far along the deal is though. It would seem SoftBank is looking for a new way to grow Sprint’s market in the US after its plans to purchase T-Mobile didn’t push through. Or perhaps they want to grow DreamWorks’ content in Japan.

DreamWorks Animation is behind works such as How To Train Your Guardian franchise, Shrek, Croods, and Madagascar. The company has been struggling in the past few years because its fortunes are directly tied to box office performance. Some of the misses include Mr. Peabody & Sherman, Turbo, and Rise of the Guardians.

Source: Wall Street Journal + The Hollywood Reporter | Via: The Verge

Twitpic comes back from the dead

Just when Twitpic announced it was going out of business, it would seem the tide has turned. Twitpic has been bought by an unidentified buyer and as they say, the photo sharing service for Twitter lives. The service announced it was shutting down just a few weeks ago because of some legal demands from Twitter. The story is still developing so we’ll keep you posted on any updates.

We're happy to announce we've been acquired and Twitpic will live on! We will post more details as we can disclose them

— TwitPic (@TwitPic) September 18, 2014

Source: Gizmodo

Beats Official! Apple welcomes Beats Music into the fold

The Beats Music acquisition by Apple is now approved and official. Apple welcomed the new division to the family while Beats celebrated the event on their webpage by giving accolades to Apple as a long time musician's instrument and that by joining the fold they hope to add to that legacy. Like Apple and Beats, we can't wait to hear what's next and what this union will create.

Source: Apple

LinkedIn aims to boost site engagement with Newsle purchase

LinkedIn has just agreed to purchase alerts service Newsle for an undisclosed amount in order to boost the ability to track its users outside the website. It would also help users find out what other users are doing on LinkedIn. This acquisition seems in line with LinkedIn trying to bolster users’ engagement with their site.

“For example, knowing more about the people in your network—like when they’re mentioned in the news—can surface relevant insights that help you hit your next meeting with them out of the park,” said LinkedIn spokesman Ryan Roslansky.

Source: CNET