Private Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: PRVT), a worldwide leader in premium quality adult entertainment content, and Twistbox Entertainment, a wholly owned subsidiary of Mandalay Media (OTC Bulletin Board: MNDL), today announced a new agreement that expands their partnership for distribution of Private's high quality content including images, video, and mobile TV channels across mobile operator portals worldwide. Leveraging Twistbox's leading global platform for distributing mobile adult lifestyle content and services, Private will be available in 51 countries though 91 mobile operators with terms that will significantly improve revenue generation through increased exposure and premier positioning.
Twistbox Entertainment is one of the world's leading platforms for the distribution of mobile content and services with direct agreements on carriers across Europe, Asia and the Americas. Twistbox manages more than 350 WAP sites, 70 mobile TV channels and 300 games focused on delivering high quality mobile lifestyle and late night entertainment. Its platform includes tools to expand distribution and discovery including age verification, category specific search and advertising services and an affiliate network that delivers over 500 million advertising impressions monthly. With Private Media Group as a leading brand, Twistbox has focused on its adult lifestyle portfolio emphasizing relationships with a select group of partners to guarantee improved programming, achieve more effective marketing and drive customer conversions.
Tim Clausen, VP of Sales at Private Media Group, stated: "We look forward to increasing our mobile revenue through the new penetration levels we will achieve on Twistbox's vast distribution network. Not only will Private attain a greater presence in existing territories but it will also tap new markets where we previously had no content distribution. We are excited to consolidate the relationship with Twistbox and to actively explore new strategic opportunities such as games and social networking, both in on and off-portal environments."
"We have been working with Private for several years building distribution in key markets. In a very crowded space, Private content has risen to the top as being by far one of the best converting brands. Over the past year we have found that leveraging our strong positioning and carrier class commitment to service with Private's strong brand equity has been a winning formula. We look forward to our new and expanded relationship that will take a more committed and strategic approach to driving maximum profitability for Private, Twistbox and our Operator partners," said Ian Aaron, CEO of Twistbox Entertainment.
Mobile operator portals are the suggested point of entry to the Internet for mobile consumers. Portals such a Vodafone's Live!, Telefonica's Emocion or T-Mobile's T-Zones are specially adapted for viewing on cellphones. Juniper Research(1) estimates that total revenue from adult mobile content is set to rise from $2.2 billion in 2008 to $4.9 billion by 2013, representing substantial growth in a regulation constrained market. In terms of regional revenues, Western Europe will remain the largest source of revenues throughout the forecast period, although its share will fall from 42% in 2008 to 32% in 2013, due to strong growth in North America (2% of revenues in 2008; 11% in 2013) and Africa & Middle East (1% in 2008; 5% in 2013). Growth will be accelerated by improved network speeds, better handsets and more sophisticated age verification systems.
About Private Media Group
With its 44-year track record, NASDAQ listed Private Media Group is a brand-driven world leader in adult entertainment, distributing premium quality adult content globally via multiple platforms, including broadcasting (cable, satellite, IPTV and DTT), mobile, Internet, as well as DVDs and print publications. Private Media Group owns the worldwide rights to its extensive archive of high-quality content, and also licenses its Private and "Silver Girls" trademarks internationally. Private's acquisition of San Francisco-based GameLink LLC and its related companies in January 2009 further increased the Group's digital technology development capabilities and online retail reach. Established in 1993, GameLink is a leading adult Internet retail site, focusing on the digital distribution of adult media and merchandise delivered through its retail website. It is the third largest VOD platform in the US, and currently offers over 70,000 movies in all popular and major formats. The company has established an industry-leading reputation for innovative online retail and eCommerce solutions. Visit prvt.com (http://www.prvt.com/) and gamelink.com (http://www.gamelink.com/) for more information.
About Twistbox Entertainment, Inc.
Twistbox is the foundation company of mobile and interactive offerings from Mandalay Media Inc. (OTCBB: MNDL.ob), a development stage company created by leading executives from the entertainment and investment industries and co-chaired by Peter Guber, CEO of Mandalay Entertainment, and Rob Ellin. Twistbox has developed a global distribution footprint through its content publishing platforms and mobile games development capabilities. It has direct on-deck distribution through more than 100 mobile operators, operates in more than 50 countries and has products and services including video rich WAP sites, mobile TV offerings, and mobile games that have so far had more than 100 million plays.
Website: twistbox.com, mandalaymediainc.com
Mandalay Entertainment: mandalay.com
Disclaimer
This release contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect the Company's current judgments of those issues. However, because those statements are forward-looking and apply to future events, they are subject to such risks and uncertainties, which could lead to results materially different than anticipated by the Company.