Synchronica catapulted itself into the global instant messaging market yesterday, unveiling an agreement to purchase Colibria’s IM business, just two weeks after cautioning 2009 revenues would fall short of forecasts.
The agreement to buy Colibria’s IMPS Instant Messaging business brings with it 13 carrier contracts, providing Synchronica an addressable market of 320 million subscribers.
Two reseller agreements with a tier-1 network equipment provider and a messaging infrastructure software provider are also included in the purchase.
Synchronica also gains access to Colibria’s gateways covering Windows Live Messenger and social networks, its App Centre, and 46 staff.
The announcement came just two weeks after Synchronica’s management cautioned 2009 revenues would likely be lower than the £5.1 million (€5.7 million) it originally forecast.
Figures were revised down to £3.8 million after a key customer deferred completing a deal agreed in December covering Synchronica’s Mobile Gateway product until end-March.
Synchronica CEO Carsten Brinkschulte said the acquisition would accelerate the firm’s growth, allowing it to offer next-generation products, and boost its presence in developing markets.
“Mobile IM and social networking are fast-growing sectors, in particular in emerging markets.