Xandros, the provider of custom OEM Linux solutions, next-generation Linux desktop and server products, and cross-platform Windows-Linux management tools, announced the acquisition of Linspire, developer of the CNR software distribution facility, and the Linspire and Freespire Linux desktop operating systems.

The combination of the technologies, expertise, and market presence of the two companies supports Xandros’ mission to become a powerful one-stop Linux solutions company. With this acquisition, Xandros further enhances its ability to meet the needs of a growing number of Linux and mobile users for one-click software delivery to update and enhance their devices; for energizing ever larger third party applications development; and for providing access and delivery to users of applications and content from digital warehouses that increase value and user experience.

“Xandros has emerged as a leader in the OEM, mobility, desktop and PC management and application business, so I’m excited to see the Linspire technology, including CNR, go to a worthy competitor that shares our vision,” said Linspire Founder & Chairman Michael Robertson. “The Linux business is going through some healthy and necessary consolidation, which will give resulting companies greater assets and size to deliver on larger initiatives so Linux can touch more people.”

“Products like the ASUS Eee PC have demonstrated the huge potential market for Linux-based OEM netbook solutions, and CNR will help Xandros make these platforms easy to enhance and maintain, while providing on-demand delivery of a growing number of Linux applications, utilities, games, and content,” said Andreas Typaldos, Xandros CEO. “Linspire’s CNR technologies will speed up Xandros’ expansion into the applications space and encourage the development of third party content critical for facilitating Linux adoption.”

Linspire released version 6.0 of its operating system in October last year.

Xandros and Linspire will offer software distribution warehouse for a variety of Linux platforms, including Freespire, which will continue to be maintained as an open source project.