Namco Bandai Europe Launches

November 11th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

We don’t know what’s going on, but Namco seems to have made some changes in it’s plans for Europe. They started with launching Namco Bandai Networks Europe, which will distribute all popular Namco games. Also other IP from Namco Bandai will be brought into the portfolio. A good example would be Tamagotchi which has been previously released by Living Mobile which is now Disney Mobile. The full news is on Mobile Entertainment Magazine.

Moai Acquired by UI Magic

November 10th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | 1 Comment »

QB points us to the news that Moai has been acquired by UI Magic. Moai is based in Korea where it focuses primarily at connected/multiplayer games for their home market. UI Magic bought the total shares of the company, but financials where not disclosed.

“We are very excited to have Moai Technology as part of UI Magic. This acquisition will enable us to move into the real-time mobile networking gaming segment, which we expect will have huge potential in the US. The strategic sales/marketing channels with existing major Korean carriers and other global carriers that Moai will be brining to the table will prove to be a significant asset,” stated Satoru Yukie, President and CEO of UI Magic. Yukie continued, “The Mobile gaming segment in the US is growing at an unprecedented rate. Experts believe the market size will exceed $1.5 billion by end of 2009. Nevertheless, there aren’t any true real-time mobile network games available in the US market. Our 100% owned subsidiary Moai will be introducing a handful of real-time mobile games including Massive Mobile Online Role Playing Games (‘MMORPG’), which can cater to as many as 500 simultaneous game users. It is our strong belief that the US market and US consumers are ready for these types of real-time, mobile network games.”

“We are very pleased to be a part of UI Magic, Inc. I truly believe the mobile gaming know-how and experiences that we have accumulated over the period of 4 years will be pivotal assets for UI Magic going forward. Additionally, I can foresee huge synergy and arbitrage opportunities being generated as a result of this cross-border consolidation,” stated Harry “Jun Hwa” Chang, CEO and President of Moai Technology.

SonyEricsson acquired UIQ

November 7th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

With Nokia holding a strong foot in S60, SonyEricsson decided it’s time for them to secure a bit of the Symbian market themselves. Being the biggest distributors of UIQ based handsets, they now announced to acquire the UIQ branch from Symbian (UIQ Technology AB). SonyEricsson will make the UIQ department a separate subsidary in the company. This probably to avoid support from companies like Motorola who also have a range of UIQ devices on the market. The current management team will also remain in place to secure proper functioning under the SonyEricsson flag.

MobileMail to acquire Tracebit

November 2nd, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

I had to hold off the news for a bit, but now it’s official that MobileMail is intending to acquire Tracebit AB. Both companies have signed a letter of intent. QB has published the full details of the deal.

Greystripe receives $ 1.2 Million funding

October 12th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

More funding news today as San Francisco based Greystripe announced its first $ 1.2 million funding round was completed. The funding was coming from Incubic Venture Fund, Monitor Ventures and WS Investment Company. Greystripe is known for it’s ad subsidized gaming network.

Airplay received $ 14 M funding

October 12th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

Airplay, a US based company focused at mobile games and video (which is the companies’ main drive) secured $ 14 million in its latest funding round. Investors for this round of funding where Motorola, Qualcomm, JK & B Capital, Oneset Ventures and Redpoint.

The funding also brings a new director to the board of Airplay. Ali Shedman will fulfill this role on behalf of JK & B Capital.

"The funding now provides us with the financial and strategic muscle required to execute on this massive new market opportunity," said Morgan Guenther, chairman and CEO of AirPlay.

"AirPlay has a completely unique and transformative offering that stands to change the way we experience traditional television," said Ali Shadman of JK and B Capital. "We believe the possibilities are endless for growing their service across many different types of content programming and live events."

Mobliss sold for 85%

October 8th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

MoCoNews reports that the Index Multimedia Group, which has been acquiring a lot of mobile players in the last years like Mediaplazza and Cyoshi, has sold of 85% of it’s stake in Seattle based Mobliss. Mobless, who has recently been in the spotlights for their deal on Endemol’s Deal or no Deal, is now mostly property of Tokyo based GD.

Gameloft’s H1 possitive

October 3rd, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

Gameloft did well in the first half year of 2006 with an increase in revenue of 50% which translates to 10.1 million on top of the 20.4 last year. 90% of these revenues are purely based on downloads. The net profit is 14.7 million. For a more extensive overview of the figures, please check QB’s report on it.

Digital Orchid buys Blue Tech

September 27th, 2006 by Arjan Olsder Posted in Companies & M&A | No Comments »

Digital Orchid, known for their sports apps, has pulled out it’s wallet to acquire Blue Tech, developer of both mobile games and applications. The deal boosts Digital Orchid’s portfolio as well as distribution network. Digital Orchid now has access to 65 brands.

“By leveraging Blue Tech’s European stronghold and rich technical skills we will be able to further represent our partner brands in the wireless marketplace,” said Daniel Daou, CEO and co-founder of Digital Orchid. “And with Kato Studios’ robust games catalogue, we can provide an all encompassing mobile solution to our brand and carrier partners worldwide.”

“We are thrilled to join the Digital Orchid family,” said Alvarez-Ossorio. “Digital Orchid’s advanced technology platform allows us to easily and quickly distribute our gaming products through multiple handsets across multiple regions. By joining forces with Digital Orchid, Blue Tech has gained worldwide reach for our partner products along with access to popular U.S. brands for games development.”

Financial details around the takeover have not been disclosed.