Microsoft rival and the world's leading distributor of open source software Linux, Red Hat, announced it was acquiring the 40 per cent stake of its joint venture partner in India for an undisclosed sum.Following the acquisition, the entity will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the US-based Red Hat Inc and India president Javed Tapia's role will be enhanced to include developing the Linux market in the Middle East.Red Hat global executive VP and CFO Charlie Peters, said the country had proven itself as a strategic market for Red Hat and Linux. Outside the US, its India operations are largest in terms of manpower, he said, announcing a $20 million investment in expanding its facilities here.Red Hat's Pune centre which provides web-based support, will be enhanced to included IT support and engineering, Peters added.
