BARCELONA, Spain—Internet and mobile vendor VeriSign Inc. signed an agreement to acquire Vienna, Austria-based 3united Mobile Solutions AG, which is a privately held wireless applications service provider founded in 1999. 3united said its network connects with more than 50 wireless operators in Eastern Europe, the Europe-Middle East-Africa region and the United States.
VeriSign said the deal expands its portfolio of content services and broadens its global reach, especially in key European markets. Once the transaction closes, VeriSign said it will have relationships with 3united clients including SingTel, One, Hutchinson3G, Mobilkom/Vodafone, Maxis, Debitel and Polkomtel.
The transaction, which is expected to close during the first quarter, is valued at about $65.5 million.
VeriSign offers wireless content through its Jamster and Jamba Web portals. The company announced plans to acquire Web-based billing company CallVision Inc. for $30 million earlier this year.
Shares of VeriSign were trading up slightly following the news at $23.94 from a previous close of $23.70.<
