Rebtel, a leading mobile VoIP service provider and Skype competitor, has indicated it may launch an initial public offering in the next two to three years if it achieves its growth targets, its CEO told Reuters.
The company, which is the second largest VoIP provider after Skype, but is accessed by a mobile phone app, has around 20 million users compared with Skype's 145 million.
Rebtel CEO Andreas Bernstrom told Reuters that revenues could rise to more than $100 million (€75 million) this year from $80 million in 2012, and to between $150 million and $200 million (€112 million to €150 million) in three years. He also said believes that by this time its customer base should will grow to 50 million.
"Listing is certainly an option," Bernstrom said. "My view is that in a couple of years, if the market allows it, that might be an interesting option." He said Rebtel will follow three major strategies to boost growth.
The first is the launch of a calling feature for apps allowing online poker players to chat for free during games and Internet daters to share more than emails and pictures. Money transfers is the second strategy, where the company intends to compete with heavyweight rivals Western Union and Moneygram in what Bernstrom said was a $480 billion-a-year market.
Thirdly, Rebtel intends to expand and develop its products into stand-alone apps, including one that will enable travellers to avoid roaming charges, he said.
"If the business is earning $150 to $200 million with a 15 per cent EBITDA margin, then the business is worth a lot of money," Bernstrom said.
For more:
- see this Reuters article
- see this Trutower article
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