Access to buy PalmSource

Palm OS developer PalmSource is to be acquired by Access, a Japanese mobile software firm.

The deal, which is expected to cost Access $324m, will see the company gain PalmSource’s product lines and developer teams in France, China, and the US.

Access, which develops products such as the cross-platform NetFront mobile browser, said the move would extend its leadership as a provider of internet access software for mobile devices.

“Combining Access’ robust NetFront browser platform and its proven business relationships with PalmSource’s advanced operating system, apps portfolio, user interface and developer communities, we will be able to produce a comprehensive yet flexible solution for the mobile market,” Access chief executive Toru Arakawa said in a statement.