net mobile AG fully acquires competitor MINICK – Swisscom invests in net mobile AG
• Swisscom becomes largest single shareholder in net mobile AG
• Expected eight-figure sales growth through MINICK makes net mobile AG Europe's undisputed market leader for mobile value-added services
• Earning contribution per share of €0.20 forecast in 2008/09, €0.25 in 2009/10
Duesseldorf, 1st of September 2008 – net mobile AG (M:access, ISIN: DE0008137852), Europe's leading provider of mobile entertainment services is pleased to announce its acquisition of 100% of its Swiss competitor MINICK from Swisscom.
As part of the sale Swisscom is acquiring a low double-digit minority interest in net mobile AG. This investment will make Swisscom the largest single shareholder in the company.
As a pioneer in the area of interactive mobile applications, MINICK develops and operates mobile services for telecommunication network operators, media and entertainment companies and other business customers. The company also operates some of the well-known Vodafone Live portals.
The new group is the leading provider of interactive services, content distribution and micropayment applications in Europe. The basis for this is the `net-m maxmedia´ platform developed and operated by net mobile AG and the platform successfully launched by MINICK for the distribution of pictures and videos.
With services for the areas of music, videos, pictures, games, Java applications and payment solutions, the Group covers the entire spectrum of multimedia mobile phone applications and now offers an all-inclusive product range. The takeover will also sustainably strengthen net mobile's carrier segment as MINICK supports carriers such as Vodafone, E-Plus and O2 in its portal business.
The Swiss firm will continue to operate as an independent company and the close, significant business relationship with Swisscom will also be maintained further. MINICK is expected to generate eight-figure sales in the 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years and earnings contributions of €0.20 and €0.25 per share respectively.
Jürg Rötheli, CEO of Swisscom Beteiligungen said to the agreements reached with net mobile: "We are happy to have found the right partner for the ongoing development of MINICK in net mobile AG. With this transaction MINICK will attain the necessary magnitude to be able to grow in this internationally consolidating market."
Theodor Niehues, CEO of net mobile AG, said: "The takeover of MINICK marks an outstanding addition to net mobile AG, both in terms of its product portfolio and its customers. The new group is now the undisputed market leader in Europe and heading for profitable growth on the international stage."
About MINICK Holding AG
MINICK, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swisscom, is a pioneer in the field of interactive mobile applications. Founded in 1994, MINICK develops and operates mobile service platforms for network operators, media companies, corporate clients and agencies. The company has built one of the largest invoice platforms for mobile telecommunications providers in Europe.
About net mobile AG
net mobile AG is a leading international full-service provider for mobile and interactive value-added services. Founded in November 2000, the company is seen as an innovation leader on the market and its full-managed service approach includes consulting, design, applications, content, billing, transport and technical implementation for optimal, multi-channel marketing campaign management. As a partner to all the major music labels and the owners of rights for the film, television and games industry, net mobile AG also ensures full content and royalty management. Its more than 500 customers worldwide include national and global mobile telecommunications providers, media companies, portals, branded companies and TV channels for which it provides end-to-end mobile interactive TV services.