• by Mark Walsh  @markfwal, January 3, 2013

The 451 Group, which operates 451 Research and the Uptime Institute, on Thursday announced acquiring mobile-focused research firm Yankee Group from Boston private equity firm Alta Communications. New York-based 451 Group said the move would extend its capabilities as a global research, advisory, data and certification firm.

Started in 1970 as an independent technology research firm, Yankee Group in recent years has narrowed its scope to market research and analytics on consumer mobile usage. Under the deal, Yankee Group will operate as an independent division of the 451 Group, with Terry Waters continuing as CEO of the unit and reporting directly to 451 Group CEO Martin McCarthy.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.