Florida-based Syniverse Technologies, a mobile services provider, has signed a definitive agreement with VeriSign, a provider of internet infrastructure services, to acquire its messaging business for $175m. The acquisition is expected to combine Syniverse’s NEXT Advanced Messaging Hub and other NEXT messaging offerings with four of VeriSign’s operator and enterprise messaging services.
An Inter-Carrier Gateway will allow operators to deliver inter-carrier person-to-person SMS and MMS messages across geographies and technologies. PictureMail is expected to provide MMS platform with core components that include a hosted MMS service center (MMSC) for MMS routing, handset photo applications, and photo sharing capabilities.
In addition, Premium Messaging Gateway will manage delivery of ‘off-portal’ or third-party content to subscribers; and Mobile Enterprise Solutions will enable businesses to send time- and event-based messages or alerts to customers via voice, text message or e-mail.
Syniverse said that as a result of the acquisition, it will increase its global operating footprint with the integration of approximately 300 additional employees located primarily in the US and Asia Pacific. Of those 300, more than 100 are based in India where Syniverse has a strategic interest.
Tony Holcombe, president and CEO of Syniverse, said: “This acquisition will benefit both global operators and subscribers. As mobile messaging volumes continue to experience double-digit growth, Syniverse will have the scale, reach and capabilities needed to provide mobile operators – large or small – with greater vendor choice and faster time to market for the services subscribers demand. Ultimately, the mobile consumer will benefit from more messaging services and applications.”
The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Deutsche Bank and Alston & Bird provided advisory services to Syniverse in connection with the transaction.
