Fandango has today announced its latest move in expanding beyond movie ticketing. The NBC Universal-owned company has taken control of the previously Warner Bros. Entertainment owned Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes

Rotten Tomatoes has previously received many complaints from people concerned about its influence on general film criticism - a situation borne from its well-known role as a movie review aggregator.  Flixster; meanwhile, is popular with those wanting to educate themselves about particular movies. The acquisition does not include the Flixster Video streaming service meaning that that particular service will cease to exist shortly. However, the two acquired services will continue in their present guise as standalone apps/websites.

Rotten Tomatoes is no stranger to a change of ownership, having come under the control of Flixster in 2010 and subsequently Warner Bros. in 2011. Now it is the turn of Fandango to fall under the minority ownership of Warner Bros.

In a press release regarding the acquisition, Fandango President Paul Yanover referred to the desire to build and grow both of these popular services to incorporate all of their fans' movie needs - as well as growing the theatrical ticketing section.

Whereas Fandango used to be a simple service for ticket purchasing, today's move sees it become a major player across the movie services board.

Fandango Buys Rotten Tomatoes and Flixter