IMI acquires UK-based dx3

HYDERABAD, INDIA: IMI, a provider of mobile value added services for content providers, mobile operators and media agencies, announced its acquisition of dx3, a London-based digital content delivery services provider, which pioneered the first legal digital music downloads in Europe.

IMI, with services across 40 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, plans to expand into Europe with this aquisition.

The acquisition will combine IMI’s experience in the mobile sector, where it already enables 80 operator deployments globally to drive profitable new revenue streams, with dx3’s expertise in the web domain.

dx3 has a library of over two million music tracks and provides innovative marketing solutions to major brands and creative agencies including members of WPP and OMD. The arrangement will bring the combined services of the enlarged group under the IMI brand and see its carrier-grade DaVinci platform used as part of a managed service offering to power the mobile and online digital marketing initiatives.

Vishwanath Alluri, the CEO and founder of IMI, said “This is the first strategic acquisition in an aggressive European expansion. We see two key growth areas emerging. Firstly, converged media campaigns that use both mobile and online platforms."

"Secondly, ‘off deck’, direct to consumer mobile and fixed line operator promotions, working with big name brands to offer innovative offers and marketing inducements to their subscriber base. We are well positioned to exploit this growth with our innovative technology platforms and considerable experience in driving new revenue streams for our global customers,” Alluri added.

Anu Shah, formerly executive director of dx3, who now heads IMI Europe, added: “IMI's  acquisition gives us fantastic access to a converged online and mobile platform that can glue together growing areas of the market such as digital music, social networking, advertising, user generated content and subscription services."

"dx3 and IMI believe offering these products under amanaged service model offers the best risk/return profile for our clients as evidenced by our growth over the last year. Together we are now in a great position to design and deploy compelling new products and services on a pan-European basis,” Shah added.

The acquisition is effective immediately and will increase IMI’s headcount to more than 380 around the world.

Source: PR Wire