VeriSign Inc., a provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, will acquire 3united Mobile Solutions ag, a wireless applications service provider based in Vienna, Austria.
3united owns and operates a network that directly connects with more than 50 wireless operators serving more than 400 million customers around the world and in fast-growing markets in Europe, the Middle East and Asia and the United States.
“As next-generation devices and applications grow in popularity, service providers are using VeriSign’s global, secure and reliable services to transform their businesses and give consumers what they want,” says Vernon Irvin, executive vice president and general manager of VeriSign Communications Services. “VeriSign is the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services that enable the delivery of rich and seamless communications, commerce and content. The 3united acquisition supports this strategy and allows us to provide new services that carriers, Internet portals, media companies and retail brands can use to drive revenues, usage and loyalty.”
3united’s applications for premium mobile content, community and m-commerce will broaden VeriSign’s portfolio of content services. According to a Feb. 13 press release, the acquisition will expand VeriSign’s global reach and move it deeper into key European markets. Once the transaction is completed, VeriSign will have relationships with carriers using 3united’s platform, including Debitel, Hutchinson3G, Maxis, Mobilkom/Vodafone, One, Polkomtel and SingTel.
“3united built a successful business by designing and providing popular interactive mobile applications for carriers, media companies and brands," says Oliver Holle, a 3united board member. "With this transaction, 3united gets the global scale of VeriSign that will enable 3united to expand the reach of its world-class solutions, plus the added value of the VeriSign name, one of the most well-known, respected and trusted infrastructure companies in the world.”
3united is privately held and has approximately 100 employees and a presence in Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, Ukraine and the United States. Rainmaker Capital advised 3united on the transaction.
The acquisition purchase price is 55 million Euros and is being accounted for as a purchase transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2006. The financial impact of the transaction will be disclosed upon the acquisition closing.
