Abstract
Screen Digest has researched the recent funding and M&A activity in the mobile
industry and derived quarterly as well as industry trends for the period
starting Q1 2007. This report combines Mobile Intelligence data and analyst
commentary covering global mobile funding and M&A deals.
Highlights:
- With 22 deals versus 44 in Q1 2008, the quarterly number of M&A deals
related to mobile content has dropped by 50% year-on-year. The current climate
favours consolidation, and bigger companies with substantial cash reserves
might seize the opportunity to acquire attractive assets at bargain prices.
- In Q1 2009, Cisco Systems bought handheld video camera maker Pure Digital
for Euro 450m; Nokia acquired German mobile software developer Bit-Side; ARM
bought Swedish mobile video chip specialist Logipard; and Qualcomm acquired
multi-platform video specialist Digital Fountain.
- Key players in the mobile industry have already set their M&A strategies
for the short-to-medium term. Microsoft expressed interest in categories in
which it is already active but does not yet dominate, most likely mobile
search and advertising. Google is bolstering its antitrust lobbying efforts
and is unlikely to pursue any large-scale acquisition but smaller companies
with relevant intellectual property and talent.
- In terms of value the total Q1 2009 recorded funding volume dropped 35%
year-on-year to Euro 379m, which represents a 25% drop compared to the
previous quarter. Roughly 10% of the deals were seed or first rounds, showing
an emphasis on more advanced stage start-ups in today' s timid venture climate.
In this report:
- Mobile funding: the end of a cycle
- Mobile payments and advertising still popular
- Q1 2009: top funding deals in mobile
- Regional analysis: USA stays ahead of Europe
- Activity Spotlight: Mobile Advertising
- Mobile M&A: cautious buyers stall the market
- Company M&A Spotlight: Google
- IPO spotlight: GREE (Japan)
Territories covered
- Western Europe
- Belgium, Finland, France, Sweden, UK,
- North America
- Africa and Middle East
- Asia-Pacific
Companies mentioned
- 4info
- AdMob
- ARM
- Cisco
- Google
- Jumptap
- Medio Systems
- Nokia
- Obopay
- Pontis
- Qualcomm
- Twitter
Report Statistics
- format: PDF
- pages: 10
- tables & charts: 13
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