VeriSign Extends Leadership in Mobile Content
Infrastructure with Acquisition of m-Qube
Intelligent Services Platform Provides End-To-End Solution for Mobile
Media Management
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, March 20, 2006 – 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.
Trademarks
VeriSign and other trademarks, service marks and logos are registered
or unregistered marks of VeriSign, Inc. and its subsidiaries in the
United States and in foreign countries. Copyright © 2006 VeriSign, Inc.
All rights reserved.
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.