Google to acquire Twitter's application development platform Fabric

Google has agreed to buy Twitter's application development platform Fabric for an undisclosed value.

Fabric launched in 2014 and its products have reached 2.5 billion active devices, according to a blog post. Fabric has 14 products for developers including Answers and Crashlytics.

After the announcement, co-founder Jeff Seibert, who is also the senior director product at Twitter, said he was would step down.

Fabric will join Google's Developer Prodicts Group after closing "where they plan to continue investing in the platform," Seibert said on Twitter.

"I have full confidence in Google's commitment to developer products and the future of Fabric," he added.

6/ As this @fabric chapter closes, and another begins, it is time I step back. @richparet has my full trust to lead Fabric going forward!

— Jeff Seibert (@jeffseibert) January 18, 2017

The agreement will see Fabric's team join Google's developers business and work with Firebase team.

"Fabric and Firebase operate mobile platforms with unique strengths in the market today. We’re excited to combine these platforms together to make the best mobile developer platform in the world for app teams," the company said.

Francis Ma, Firebase product manager said "Our missions align closely: help developers build better apps and grow their business.

"The integration of Fabric is part of our larger, long-term effort of delivering a comprehensive suite of features for iOS, Android and mobile Web app development," added Ma.

Twitter itself has shopped itself around for a potential buyer. Last year, it was reported that Google was interested in acquiring Twitter, but decided not to make an offer.

In October 2016, Salesforce ceased negotiations to acquire Twitter with chief executive Marc Benioff saying the social media platform wasn't "the right fit" for the cloud software vendor.