Apptix goes for mobile IM with $7M WebMessenger purchase

Apptix announced it acquired WebMessenger Inc. for $7 million in a combination of cash and company stock. The company aims to enhance its e-mail and voice services for small- and medium-sized businesses through the acquisition of the company and its mobile instant messaging technology.
Los Angeles-based WebMessenger, which was founded in 1993, allows users to communicate across public and private instant messaging networks, including all the major IM providers.
“The acquisition of WebMessenger will bring the cost benefits and productivity-enhancing features of mobile IM and presence management to our 150,000 (small- and medium-sized business) users,” Apptix CEO Amir Hudda said. “Furthermore, it provides Apptix with the necessary IP to deliver on our vision of on-demand unified communications for the (small- and medium-sized business) market.”
The acquisition is also expected to bring new distribution channels to Apptix via WebMessenger’s existing customers in telecommunications.
Apptix agreed to pay $7 million for WebMessenger, of which $4 million was paid in cash at the time of closing and $3 million will be paid in cash or stock at the company’s option one year from the closing date.