WHATEVER MOBILE acquires ViiF Mobile Video
German mobile services provider WHATEVER MOBILE has acquired Berlin-based ViiF Mobile Video. WHATEVER MOBILE is an internationally operating Mobile Solutions Provider based in Hamburg. Founded in 2002, the company currently has 37 members of staff. Based on the flexibility of an in-house developed platform and direct connections to all German, Austrian and Swiss operators, WHATEVER MOBILE implements mobile campaign concepts and business ideas via SMS, MMS, Voice and Video. ViiF Mobile Video enables users to upload their own movies and share them with other users by placing a video call. The video call costs are independent of the transferred data traffic; the user simply pays per minute.
Announcement Date: December 18, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Tekelec acquires mBalance
Tekelec announced the acquisition of privately-held mBalance, a leading developer of messaging solutions. mBalance's software enables mobile operators to efficiently support their text messaging growth with a high-performance, networked messaging solution. mBalance's software is already an important element of Tekelec's TekMedia solution which provides a cost efficient and highly scalable means of handling text message growth and security. Founded in 2001 in the Netherlands, mBalance has 82 employees and solutions deployed in 48 mobile networks in 38 countries, including 10 deployments in nine countries as part of the TekMedia solution. Tekelec leverages its global leadership in core multimedia session control and network intelligence to ensure scalable, secure and highly available communications.
Announcement Date: December 17, 2008
Deal Value: $39.5 Million (with up to an additional $18.1 million of cash consideration payable upon the achievement of certain order input targets over the next two years.)
RIM to acquire Chalk Media
Research in Motion Ltd. has agreed to acquire the mobile-media software maker Chalk Media Corp. Chalk Media developed Mobile Chalkboard, which creates and deploys content delivery to RIM's BlackBerry smartphones. It is based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Research in Motion, based in Waterloo, Ontario, has made a bid of CA$66 million ($52.6 million) for Certicom Corp., which makes encryption technology for wireless communications. Certicom, based in Mississauga, Ontario, has said it is looking for competing bids.
Announcement Date: December 10, 2008
Deal Value: $18.8 Million (Cash plus a load of $1.8 million to provide working capital until the deal is completed)
Vodafone acquires Wayfinder
The increasingly acquisitive Vodafone acquired Sweden’s WayFinder. WayFinder develops mobile GPS-enabled location applications, including a GPS routing app called Wayfinder Navigator, a POI database called Wayfinder Earth, and an application called Wayfinder Active that helps athletes monitor their progress in outdoor activities. The applications are available for a wide variety of phones (including those running Symbian and Windows Mobile operating systems) but require a GPS-capable phone to work. (Users without integrated GPS can also use an external Bluetooth GPS unit if their phone supports it). Vodafone intends to use the WayFinder team and technology to develop new geo-aware applications, but existing services will continue to function (and, according to the companies, will become more affordable and available in more locations). Last spring they also acquired Danish mobile social network ZYB for €31.5 million.
Announcement Date: December 9, 2008
Deal Value: $29 Million (Cash)
HiChina acquires Lang Yan Network
Chinese domain name registrar HiChina has acquired Beijing-based small and medium enterprise (SME) mobile e-commerce platform Lang Yan Network (www.mynet.cn) in an all-stock deal, reports Hexun. Lang Yan's core management team will stay with HiChina after the acquisition, said the report. HiChina acquired two other website construction service providers, chinaok.net.cn and Ningbo Wang Bo, in 2008.
Announcement Date: December 8, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Droplet Technology acquires Sipcall
Droplet Technology, Inc. has acquired privately held Sipcall, a developer of innovative Session Initiation Protocol (SIP)-based mobile Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services for consumers worldwide. Droplet partners with mobile operators, Internet portals, and device/service providers to enhance mobile video capabilities in communications services, business collaboration, entertainment, and social networking to leverage the company's unique and patented innovations in video processing and service platforms, The integration of Sipcall's SIP functionality into Droplet's video service platform further demonstrates its commitment to supporting the IMS roadmap of major operators, and also allows it to launch direct-to-subscriber mobile video services with carrier-class quality of service capabilities.
Announcement Date: December 5, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Catalyst acquires Integrian
Integrian, a company selling mobile video technology, has sold to New York-based Catalyst, one of its equipment suppliers. Integrian raised some $50 million in venture capital and was backed by Triangle-area VC firms Intersouth and Wakefield Group. Motorola also was an investor. Credit Suisse was part of a financial syndicate that helped Integrian raise $36 million in capital, $30 million of which was spent to acquire an Australian firm. Integrian also acquired two other companies over the past three years, Signal Innovations Group in Research Triangle Park, NC, and Digital Safety Technologies.
Announcement Date: December 4, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Research In Motion launches takeover for Certicom
BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. announced a hostile takeover bid for Certicom Corp. Certicom makes digital encryption technology for wireless communications. Waterloo, Ontario-based Research In Motion said it would take its offer, representing a premium of about 76.5 percent over Tuesday's closing price on the Toronto Stock Exchange, directly to shareholders. In a statement, Research In Motion Chief Executive Jim Balsillie said the company has been in talks with Canada-based Certicom since 2007 about an acquisition but hasn't been able to make a deal. As it is unable to engage Certicom management in a meaningful dialogue to advance the terms of a potential transaction, RIM believes it is in the best interests of respective shareholders, employees and customers to make this attractive offer directly to Certicom shareholders.
Announcement Date: December 3, 2008
Deal Value: $52.6 Million
The Fused Group acquires Smart Devices
The Fused Group, one of the UK's leading Converged Solutions Provider, announced the acquisition of the assets and good will of Smart Devices Limited, a Surreybased specialist distributor of mobile and wireless computing solutions. Manchester-based Fused Group offers unified communications services, including connectivity, IP telephony and mobile applications, for over 175 UK channel partners under the Fused Networks and Webcalls brands. Launched in 1997, Smart Devices has become a leading online specialist provider of mobile and wireless technology products. The acquisition is part of the Group's continued growth strategy - both organic and acquisitive - and is in line with its expectations for 2008's performance.
Announcement Date: December 2, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
On Demand Group acquires Mobix
On Demand Group, Ltd., a subsidiary of on-demand television leader, SeaChange International, has extended its content aggregation and management services to the growing European, Middle Eastern and African mobile video market with its acquisition of Mobix Interactive. Mobix is a provider of mobile video and TV services to some of the region’s largest carriers, including O2 and 3 in the U.K. and Vodacom in South Africa. Using its proprietary mobile video and TV platform, Adrenalin, and core media services, Mobix enables the deployment of premium and ad-enabled mobile video and TV services. ODG delivers end-to-end on-demand service creation, content aggregation and management for television companies including Virgin Media, Telekom Austria, OTE and TTNET, while Mobix’s managed service approach brings a proven and successful business model within the burgeoning mobile media industry. The acquisition makes ODG the only full-service partner to enable managed network owners to tap into both markets.
Announcement Date: November 26, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
WiMAX acquires MediaPA
Italian WiMAX operator Aria has acquired MediaPA, a company active in telecom and software services in Italy’s Apulia region. MediaPA is part of the Apulia-based consortium Cliocom; Clio, which specializes in ICT services for government bodies, holds a majority stake in the consortium. Aria has agreed to support completion of an infrastructure project in Apulia run by MediaPa, as well as installing more than 200 WiMAX base stations in order to guarantee coverage of the entire regional territory.
Announcement Date: November 25, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Cavium Networks to acquire W&W Communications
Cavium Networks, a provider of semiconductor products that enable intelligent processing for networking, communications, security and wireless applications, is acquiring W&W Communications, Inc. W&W Communications' unique video technology and software are an excellent fit for high end video application requirements where high-quality, super low latency and high channel density are needed. Combining W&W Communications’ technology with Cavium's MIPS and ARM based processors will enable Cavium to deliver compelling end to end solutions for the entire digital video cycle. Video traffic over the Internet has been growing exponentially and is forecasted to be over 90% of all consumer traffic by 2012, according to Cisco's Visual Networking Index study. Currently, Internet video on the PC is the primary driver of this growth. Moving forward, Internet delivery of video to the TV followed by cost effective, High Definition (HD) interactive video communications is expected to fuel the future growth of video traffic over the Internet.
Announcement Date: November 20, 2008
Deal Value: $19.3 Million
Citrix Systems acquires Vapps
U.S. infrastructure software maker Citrix Systems Inc. has acquired venture capital-backed start-up company Vapps Inc. The company generates revenue from the minutes of use for its audio conferencing, which is based on “high definition voice,” or high quality conferences for calls with dozens of people. Citrix could use Vapps’ audio in its web collaboration offerings. The acquisition marks Azure Capital’s third exit this year, in an economic downturn that has limited opportunities for the venture capital industry. Last month, eBay Inc bought Azure-funded Bill Me Later, an online payments service, for $945 million. In January, Azure sold WorldWide Packets to network solutions provider Ciena Corp for $300 million.
Announcement Date: November 14, 2008
Deal Value: $26.6 Million (Cash plus potential earnout of $4.4 million)
Global Capacity to acquire Vanco Direct USA
Global Capacity (parent: Capital Growth Systems, Inc.), the telecommunications logistics company, is acquiring Vanco Direct USA, LLC. The addition of VDUL will extend Global Capacity's leadership position as the first global telecom logistics provider. VDUL's software and intellectual property assets are complementary to Global Capacity's unique global pricing and supply chain management systems and strengthen the company's intellectual property that forms the core of its logistics business model. VDUL's base of recurring revenue customers fits seamlessly into Global Capacity's Strategic Sourcing business, while the customers and revenue from its software business will bolster Global Capacity's high-value Software as a Service (SaaS) business. Strategic Sourcing and SaaS, taken together with its Engineering Services and Remote Management Services, form the core of Global Capacity's predictable revenue business.
Announcement Date: November 14, 2008
Deal Value: $15 Million (Cash)
Boingo Wireless acquires Opti-Fi Networks
Boingo Wireless has acquired Opti-Fi Networks, a limited liability company, from Parsons Transportation Group and ARINC, which provides Wi-Fi infrastructure implementation and management for airports around North America. Boingo is the largest operator of airport Wi-Fi networks in North America, and with this acquisition, Boingo will be adding 25 new airports to its footprint. The acquisition is part of Boingo's continued growth strategy which includes expanding and growing the Boingo Roaming Network worldwide, as well as partnerships for Boingo Mobile with handheld manufacturers and carriers.
Announcement Date: November 13, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Amdocs to acquire ChangingWorlds
Amdocs, provider of customer experience systems, is acquiring Changing Worlds Ltd., a privately-held provider of personalization and intelligent portal solutions for mobile service providers. ChangingWorlds' technology, combined with the Amdocs’ CES portfolio, will enable better customer experiences by allowing end users to quickly get relevant information based on what they use most, making it easier to navigate the Internet on their phones and reducing the time they spend looking for content. ChangingWorlds' technology currently addresses mobile devices, and Amdocs intends to expand the technology to three screens (mobile, PC and television) to personalize the customer experience across all touch points. ChangingWorlds and Amdocs share several customers including Sprint, the Vodafone Group and Telefonica O2.
Announcement Date: November 5, 2008
Deal Value: $60 Million (Cash)
AEP Networks acquires Vados Systems
Multilayered network security and secure access vendor, AEP Networks, has acquired a previous alliance partner in the form of Vados Systems (UK). Vados provides converged, integrated communications solutions, with which AEP Networks had formed an alliance in May 2007. This acquisition is strategic to AEP Networks' growth for a number of reasons including strengthening its foothold in the European and Asian markets. AEP Networks’ portfolio currently includes SSL VPNs, high assurance IPSec-based VPN encryptors, and hardware security modules for key management. As a result of the vendor’s previous alliance relationship, the companies have collaborated to develop solutions such as multi-bearer in-vehicle systems for police forces and the Personal Deployable Communications pack for governments and commercial organizations.
Announcement Date: November 3, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Symphony Technology Group to acquire Teleca
Symphony Technology Group LLC announced a cash offer for Teleca AB. For purposes of its evaluation of the offer, Teleca’s board will first obtain a fairness opinion. Teleca is a world-leading supplier of software services to major players of the mobile device industry. The company offers tailored solutions, systems design and the integration of software and hardware for mobile phones. Teleca has about 2,000 employees in 9 countries in Asia, Europe and North America and is quoted on the small cap list of the Nordic Exchange.
Announcement Date: November 3, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Telit Communications acquires One RF Technology
Telit Communications PLC (TC) of Italy, a unit of Polar Investments Ltd, acquired the entire share capital of One RF Technology SAS. One RF Technology SAS, based in Sophia Antipolis, France, develops wireless data transmission systems for Machine to Machine (m2m) and telemetry applications.
Announcement Date: October 30, 2008
Deal Value: $0.7 Million (Stock)
Smith Micro Software acquires assets of Tatara Systems
Smith Micro Software, Inc., developer and marketer of software solutions and services for the wireless market, has acquired certain assets relating to the Mobile Broadband Business unit of Tatara Systems, Inc. These assets include certain intellectual property, patents and technology related to the broadband connectivity space. The acquired products include connection management software and mobility gateway software to support Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) for carrier deployments. In addition to acquiring the technology, Smith Micro will also attain some of the engineering team responsible for development of these products and services. Tatara also had leading wireless carrier customers that will expand Smith Micro’s footprint in North America and Europe.
Announcement Date: October 29, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
CornerWorld to Acquire Woodland Wireless and T2 TV
CornerWorld Corporation is acquiring Woodland Wireless, including its patented roaming application, Visitatel, West Michigan Co-Location Services, T2TV and T2 Communications. CornerWorld Corporation, an online marketing company, is leveraging its proprietary lead generation engine to garner qualified leads (prospective customers) for Fortune 1000 advertisers using a series of proprietary online channels, including social networking properties, CornerWorld-owned and partner representative content websites. Woodland has over 13 years of operational experience with over 50 wireless carriers in the U.S., Canada and the Caribbean, including 8 of the top 10 U.S. carriers. The Woodland platform will assist CornerWorld in developing mobile advertising applications. Using Woodland's patented technology, CornerWorld will extend its lead generation capability beyond the Internet to include the millions of customer impressions taking place on Woodland's owned services.
Announcement Date: October 28, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Tetco Technologies acquires Voxpilot
Tetco Technologies (France), provider of voice-data convergence, has acquired Voxpilot, a major player in VoiceXML technology for interactive voice and video applications. This merger will provide the opportunity for a wide range of applications based on an innovative and state-of-the-art platform utilizing the latest VoiceXML and CCXML international open standards evolution. The high performance and wide range of features of the Voxpilot Open Media Platform in voice and video combined with Tetco Technologies voice/data expertise, applications, and value-added services will allow for the delivery of feature rich and scalable solutions.
Announcement Date: October 28, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
GlobalLogic acquires InterObject
GlobalLogic, Inc., the leader in global product development services, entered the Israeli market and expanded its footprint in Eastern Europe with the acquisition of InterObject, a software product engineering company headquartered in Israel with development centers in Ukraine. InterObject brings deep expertise in embedded software, mobile and multimedia streaming products. InterObject is ideal since it is already well established in the competitive Israeli market, with a large team of Ukraine-based engineers who are experienced in the company’s areas of specialization, like embedded and mobile product development. The acquisition of InterObject is GlobalLogic’s third since January. The company has expanded its product development teams through the acquisitions of Dalian 3 CIS in China and Validio Software in Ukraine.
Announcement Date: October 21, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
ActionView to acquire Stanza Systems
ActionView International, Inc. is acquiring Stanza Systems, Ltd., provider of wireless management services and technologies. Stanza Systems applies a propriety end-to-end management philosophy to the wireless network and operates a simplified platform that enables application developers to easily integrate bi-directional wireless data transport into their applications. The company's experience firmly establishes it in several key industries: petroleum, electrical utilities, water and waste water, telecommunications and manufacturing. Stanza is in the right type of business considering the realities of today's economy, where companies are seeking to reduce costs through the monitoring and management of information and resources. By entering the public markets to further grow its business and implement an acquisition strategy, ActionView believes that Stanza has the potential to deliver long-term value for ActionView shareholders.
Announcement Date: October 14, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Niggemann acquires B&S Computer GmbH
Niggemann Group has acquired B&S Computer GmbH. With headquarters in Unna (Germany), Niggemann Group provides solutions in the areas of unified communications, fixed mobile convergence, interactive communications, telematics and Voice over IP. B&S Computer, based in Homburg (Germany), produces the “TelMan” IP telephone system. The company was founded in 1988 and has 30 employees. This acquisition is a strategic step in order to develop Niggemann Group’s own products and establish its expansion strategy.
Announcement Date: October 13, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
PEQ Invest 1 AB acquires Mobile Office business of Teligent AB
Swedish private equity company PEQ Invest 1 AB has agreed to acquire the Mobile Office business of Teligent AB. The operations will continue as an independent company under the new name Emblacom AB. The company will be headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, but the company will also have an office in Helsinki, Finland. Emblacom develops and sells Mobile PBX and hosted enterprise communications solutions to telecom network operators and service providers.
Announcement Date: October 10, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed
Convergys acquires Ceon Corporation
Convergys Corporation, a provider of relationship management, is expanding the breadth of its Business/Operations Support Systems (BSS/OSS) solutions available to clients through the acquisition of Ceon Corporation, a provider in the development of product lifecycle management and multi-play fulfillment software for communications service providers. Ceon’s breakthrough Product Control Center (PCC) solution is the communication industry’s leading purpose-built and standards-based system focused on enabling service providers to construct, manage, and deploy a layered product catalog that includes the full technical and commercial definition of products. The new capabilities, delivered as Convergys Enterprise Product Management Solutions, enable Convergys clients to more effectively manage their entire product lifecycle across all network domains, shortening time to market for new convergent offers, improving quality, and reducing the costs associated with managing a large product portfolio.
Announcement Date: October 6, 2008
Deal Value: Undisclosed