Google today acquired Bump, the company behind the mobile sharing app called Bump. The app was the first iPhone app to give users the ability to “bump” phones to exchange files such as photos and contacts. Since its launch in 2008, it has been downloaded more than 100 million times and is now also available for Android. It also works […]
Mergers and acquisitions
BlackBerry aiming to wrap up sale by November
When BlackBerry announced its “exploration of strategic alternatives” in mid-August, it said that it was open to a variety of options including joint ventures, strategic partnerships, an outright sale and “other possible transactions.” As widely expected, it now appears that BlackBerry’s preferred option is a quick sale. Citing anonymous sources, The Wall Street Journal reports that the company is hoping […]
Huawei will not buy competitor to grow smartphone market share
It would appear that you can take Huawei off the list of potential BlackBerry suitors. Senior vice president and board member Chen Lifang said in an interview that the Chinese company was not looking to acquire any competitors in a bid to grow its smartphone presence. “We haven’t considered (an acquisition),” she explained. “We want to rely on ourselves.” Huawei […]
Mobilicity to transfer subscribers to WIND Mobile
Mobilicity has been in dire shape for some time now. It has been hoping that a buyer would stop in and save it but luck has not been on its side: A deal with TELUS was blocked by the Canadian government and potential suitor, Verizon Wireless, has now decided not to expand to Canada. With its debt now over CA$500 […]
Microsoft acquires Nokia’s Devices & Services division for US$7.2 billion
Microsoft today announced that it has acquired Nokia’s Devices & Services division. This includes the Nokia Lumia and Asha lines of smartphones and respective brands. The agreement between the two companies also includes Microsoft licensing Nokia’s patents, including a long-term patent licensing agreement with Qualcomm, and the use of Nokia’s mapping services. “It’s a bold step into the future – a win-win for employees, […]
Acer not interested in merger with ASUS or Lenovo
Rumours of consolidation among Asia’s computer and mobile device manufacturers have apparently been brewing for a few days now. It appears that a number of unnamed investment banking firms are thinking that it would be a good idea for Acer to merge with either ASUS or Lenovo. The rumour appears to have gained enough traction that Acer today moved to […]
Verizon Wireless to pass on expansion to Canada after Vodafone deal
Verizon Wireless’ parent company today spent about US$130 billion to buy back Vodafone’s 45% stake in the U.S. carrier. Hours after the monumental deal, Verizon Wireless CEO Lowell McAdam put to rest any discussions about the carrier expanding to Canada by possibly acquiring WIND Mobile or Mobilicity. “Verizon is not going to Canada,” he said in a telephone interview, adding […]
Official: Verizon acquires Vodafone’s 45% stake in Verizon Wireless
As reported yesterday, the deal between Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group Plc was all but official, requiring only board approvals. Verizon today announced that both boards of directors had unanimously approved the transaction whereby Verizon Communications will acquire Vodafone’s 45% stake in Verizon Wireless for about US$130 billion. Lowell McAdam, Verizon chairman and CEO, said: “Over the past 13 years, […]