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Handmark sheds Astraware as company shifts away from games

Developer back in hands of founders

Handmark sheds Astraware as company shifts away from games
Mobile app publisher Handmark has announced it's split with Astraware two years after it acquired the UK developer.

The news comes as Handmark claims it intends to streamline and refocus its business on "strategic areas of mobile development and support".

Doing an MBO

Astraware has been returned to the control of two of its original founders, Howard Tomlinson and David Oakley, Handmark claiming the two firms will continue to work together on distribution and promotional opportunities.

"We saw a great opportunity to join forces with Astraware to help create and extend a collection of fun, well-designed mobile games titles to a new audience, and we did just that," said Paul Reddick, Handmark CEO.

Handmark and Astraware launched more than 20 games together following the takeover, including GTS World Racing and Platypus for iPhone and the award-winning Astraware Sudoku for BlackBerry among the highlights.

"I still see a great opportunity for their team to continue proving their leadership as a major player in mobile games and we will continue to work alongside them," said Reddick.

Back to apps

Handmark will now shift its attention away from games and back to publishing more apps, the split coinciding with the launch of the company's first Twitter client, TweetCaster on Android Market yesterday.

Astraware, meanwhile, will continue with mobile games development, the studio relishing the opportunity to work on new formats whilst still utilising its relationship with Handmark.

"Handmark has always been and will continue to be a trusted partner," claimed Howard Tomlinson, Astraware CEO.

"We look forward to continuing to deliver the very best in mobile games, focusing on the core of our business which is making your mobile experience fun and exciting across new platforms and technologies."

With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.