Spotify takes over podcast firms Gimlet and Anchor

Spotify has bought two podcast firms and plans to spend up to £385m on further acquisitions in an attempt to move beyond its music streaming roots for new growth.

The Swedish company has taken over Gimlet, the firm behind a string of popular podcasts including Homecoming, which was adapted into an Amazon TV series starring Julia Roberts.

It has also acquired Anchor, a platform that allows individuals and companies to create, publish and monetise podcasts. No price was disclosed for either deal, but Gimlet reportedly cost Spotify £177m.