Apple to spend $275 million on mobile ad firm

Reports suggest that Apple will buy Quattro Wireless for $275 million, pitching the Cupertino company further against its possible nemesis, Google.

A Wall Street Journal blog said the deal was imminent. The acquisition of Quattro Wireless will pitch Apple against Google after the search giant said it would buy mobile advert provider AdMob for $750 million.

Both the ad companies specialize in pitching ads to mobile phones such as Android phones or the Apple iPhone.

Ironically, if Apple does buy Quattro Wireless, it could give Google an out on an antitrust investigation that focuses on the acquisition of Admob.

According to Wall Street Journal blog, All Things Digital, there are plenty of other competitors vying for position in the smartphone ad market.

Google is expected to launch its Nexus Android unit later today.