Consolidation in the wireless content business continues its heated march, with M-Qube Inc. announcing the purchase of Sharp Robot, a Toronto-based mobile content download provider. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Jeffrey Glass, M-Qube’s chief executive officer, said the deal would further bolster the company’s product offerings and customer base. Specifically, Glass said Sharp Robot brings detailed technical know-how on content transport and optimization and handset porting. Sharp Robot counts Telus Mobility, MuchMusic and others as customers.
“What we are committed to being is a one-stop shop for these brands,” Glass said.
M-Qube offers a variety of technologies and services to media companies and other businesses to extend brands into the wireless space. The company manages text and multimedia messaging services as well as Java and BREW applications. M-Qube counts America Online Inc., Premiere Magazine, Warner Bros. and others as customers.
“The business is picking up,” Glass said.
M-Qube late last year closed $8 million in venture funding, and Glass said the company expects to reach financial break even by the end of this year or sooner. Such rapid success is further evidence of the growing market for wireless content and services.
M-Qube’s acquisition is the latest in a series of major moves. Recent deals include Square Enix’s purchase of UIEvolution and Index Corp.’s Mobliss buy.
