It's a little disappointing to see that Mobileway has only been EBITDA profitable, while similar companies in Europe have been anywhere from profitable to "wildy profitable". That being the case, I can see where this type of integration could provide clear advantages and cost savings, my only doubt is where they will go next. At $120 million in revenue, they will be worth watching. Via Venturewire

"UK mobile services provider iTouch has acquired Finnish based Jippii Mobile Entertainment in a deal worth EU12m, made up of EU5m in cash and EU7m in iTouch ordinary shares. Jippii, a wholly owned subsidiary of Saunalahti Group, is a pan-European provider of mobile entertainment applications and Internet-based online gaming services with offices in six countries. PaidContent

iTouch bought Spain's Movilisto to gain access to Spain and Portugal, now Jippi gives them access to Russia, Finland, Ukraine, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Sweden and Norway.

"Apple's surge to a 52-week high today may be due in part to vague takeover rumors circulated over the past few days. Apple's stock hit a high yesterday, and rose even higher today, to close at 26.74 (peaking at $27.49). The stock rose today amid persistent takeover speculation, with the purported suitor this time being consumer electronics giant Sony, analysts said. Since at least the mid-90s, Apple has been posited as a takeover target, with suggested bidders ranging from Sony to Sun. A strong response to its iPod mini has also helped drive Apple's stock higher -- Last month, Apple said it had received 100,000 pre-orders for the device"

Apple is definitely a takeover target, not because if the miniPod though. As I pointed out earlier, Apple is now debt free, and that makes them a very tempting takeover target. No debt plus rising revenues (and hopefully free cash flow)...sounds like a chapter right out of Barbarians at the Gate....I imagine Steve has some serious poison pills in place, plus, Apple without Steve Jobs is like Coke without fizz...flat and unappetizing. It definitely wouldn't be a hostile bid.