VeriSign Extends Leadership in Mobile Content Infrastructure with Acquisition of m-Qube
Intelligent Services Platform Provides End-To-End Solution for Mobile Media Management
VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), the leading provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire m-Qube, a leading mobile channel enabler that helps companies develop, deliver and bill for mobile content, applications and messaging services.
The acquisition of m-Qube complements the recently acquired 3united and Kontiki, extending VeriSign’s digital content platform to enable carriers, Internet portals, media companies and consumer brands to provide anytime, anywhere, any device delivery of mobile and broadband services.
m-Qube is the recognized market leader in delivering premium messaging and content services that can reach more than 200 million wireless subscribers in North America. The company’s intelligent application platform powers hundreds of mobile storefronts and marketing campaigns for customers including Sony Pictures, CBS, Major League Baseball Advanced Media, Warner Music Group, Reuters, GQ, Virgin Mobile Canada and Telus Mobility.
“VeriSign is combining its world-class expertise, applications and infrastructure to make content convergence over any network and any device a reality. m-Qube will increase our leadership and expand our services in this emerging category,” said Vernon Irvin, executive vice president and general manager, VeriSign Communications Services.
“We are excited that m-Qube’s expertise, services and relationships will now be part of VeriSign, an established provider of secure, reliable and globally scalable content and communications services,” Jeffrey Glass, chief executive officer of m-Qube. “This combination will accelerate our customers’ ability to bring a robust suite of digital content and services to the marketplace.”
Last month, VeriSign acquired 3united, a wireless applications service provider that counts SingTel, Hutchinson3G, Mobilkom/Vodafone among its customers. Earlier this month, VeriSign acquired Kontiki, which provides managed peer delivery systems for high-quality video and digital content. Leading media and network companies such as AOL, BskyB and Verizon are using the Kontiki platform to distribute on-demand multimedia services to personal computers.
m-Qube, based in Watertown, Massachusetts, is privately held with 200 employees across North America. The acquisition price is $250 million dollars net of cash. The transaction is being accounted for as a purchase transaction and is expected to close in the second quarter of 2006. VeriSign expects the transaction to be neutral to earnings for the remainder of 2006 and will provide updated financial guidance following the closing.
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About VeriSign VeriSign, Inc. (Nasdaq: VRSN), operates intelligent infrastructure services that enable and protect billions of interactions every day across the world’s voice and data networks. Additional news and information about the company is available at www.verisign.com.
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For More Information VeriSign Media Relations: Lori Sinsley, lsinsley@verisign.com, 650-426-4716 VeriSign Investor Relations: Tom McCallum, tmccallum@verisign.com, 650-426-3744
Forward Looking Statement Statements in this announcement other than historical data and information constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause VeriSign's actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied by such forward-looking statements. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the uncertainty of future revenue and profitability and potential fluctuations in quarterly operating results due to the inability of VeriSign to successfully market the combined companies' services and customer acceptance of the combined companies' services; that the expected synergies resulting from the combinations will not materialize; and that we may incur unexpected costs integrating the businesses.. More information about potential factors that could affect the company's business and financial results is included in VeriSign's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. VeriSign undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statement after the date of this press release.
About m-Qube m-Qube, a leading mobile channel enabler, helps companies, develop, deliver, and bill for mobile content, messaging and applications. m-Qube's end-to-end technology platform, carrier relationships and value-added services empowers consumer facing companies and their service providers to take advantage of wireless as a content delivery, marketing and communications channel. The company has more than two-dozen strategic wireless partners including Verizon Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile USA, Nextel Communications, ALLTEL, US Cellular, Boost Mobile, Cincinnati Bell Wireless, Rogers Wireless, Bell Mobility, Telus Mobility, NorthernTel, SaskTel and Aliant Mobility. Headquartered in Boston, m-Qube has offices in Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Toronto. For more information, visit www.m-Qube.com.