mBlox acquires WCL to reinforce its position as a provider of SMS infrastructure services
Today mBlox announces that it has acquired WCL Wireless Commerce UK Ltd (WCL), one of the UK’s best known premium rate SMS aggregators.
The acquisition once again demonstrates mBlox’s continuing strategy to consolidate the SMS messaging industry. mBlox thereby acquires WCL’s blue chip roster of clients along with its experienced and highly skilled management team. The agreement underscores mBlox’s position as Europe’s leading provider of SMS infrastructure services and provides UK customers with an even stronger SMS transmission partner.
Andrew Bud, Executive Chairman of mBlox, said: “mBlox’s momentum continues to grow. This is the time of consolidation, and WCL, a quality business whom we have admired for several years, was a great addition to our business. This is excellent news for WCL’s clients, offering them more services and geographic coverage from a financially strong provider, whilst maintaining their established relationships with this fine management team.”
Bud continued: “We firmly believe that consistent focus on infrastructure and scale will shape the winners in this sector. mBlox started to consolidate the transmission side of the international SMS messaging industry over a year ago. The recent acquisition of Swapcom’s SMS delivery capabilities in France and today’s announcement are further steps in our plan to be the leading international SMS operator.”
Phil Ray, Managing Director of WCL, said “We are delighted to be joining forces with mBlox. Their transatlantic infrastructure, strong financial base and commitment to this industry makes this an exciting opportunity for WCL clients and management. We are proud of what WCL has accomplished thus far and we look forward to building more success within mBlox.”
WCL clients will be seamlessly migrated to mBlox’s transmission platform and will continue to receive their existing services. They will benefit from access to mBlox’s comprehensive suite of international premium and standard SMS services including mBlox’s recently announced US premium-rate SMS service. Q Advisors LLC of Denver, CO (www.qllc.com) acted as financial advisor to mBlox in connection with the acquisition.