Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft (NASD: MSFT) announced on Monday that it intends to acquire Musiwave, the France-based unit of Openwave (NASD: OPWV) that provides mobile music entertainment services to wireless carriers.

Financial details of the proposed transaction were not disclosed.

Microsoft said that Musiwave's relationships with music labels, device makers and mobile operators would mesh well with its "Connected Entertainment" technologies and services, which include Windows Mobile, Zune, MSN and Windows Live.

Currently, Microsoft's mobile software is featured on more than 140 handsets made by 50 manufacturers.

"Musiwave would bring key assets to us as we continue to bring our vision of Connected Entertainment to life," said J Allard, corporate vice president in charge of music at Microsoft.

"Its software expertise and extensive relationships with operators and music companies would help us take our products and services to the next level, giving people access to whatever entertainment content they want, whenever and however they want it."

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