Press and Media
Handmark Acquires FreeRange Communications to Expand Mobile Media Offerings
KANSAS CITY, MO and PORTLAND, OR - Feb. 5, 2009 - Handmark® and FreeRange Communications today announced the companies have signed a definitive agreement, under which Handmark will acquire FreeRange Communications, a privately held mobile technology company.
FreeRange Communications, based in Portland, Oregon, is a strategic addition to the Handmark portfolio of mobile offerings. The company offers a unique mobile publishing platform that enables media companies and content publishers around the world to create their own branded, always-on mobile applications. These mobile applications provide a unique expansion opportunity for content providers that is simple and fast to bring to market. Some of its key partners leveraging this technology include The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, CBS, Travelocity Business, The New York Knicks, Portland TrailBlazers, NewsGator, PaidContent, and Fierce Markets.
Handmark will build upon FreeRange Communications’ relationships with media companies and content publishers by expanding its mobile publishing platform technology. In addition, FreeRange Communications’ RSS web reading capabilities offer various opportunities for Handmark to enhance its mobile offerings.
“This partnership is fantastic news for media companies, wireless carriers, and handset providers looking to establish a mobile presence or enhance their products and services with compelling mobile content,” said Paul Reddick, Handmark CEO. “FreeRange brings unique technology, expertise, and relationships that complement our position as a leading provider of mobile media solutions.”
“This is an exciting turning point for our company and we are proud to become part of the Handmark organization,” said Jon Maroney, FreeRange CEO. “Handmark has built a large network of happy customers across a wide range of mobile devices. This offers a great opportunity for FreeRange partners to expand their reach, adding tremendous value to content delivered via our publishing platform.”
This Handmark acquisition follows the company’s February 2008 purchase of Astraware, a leading UK-based mobile gaming company.
The acquisition is expected to close in the coming weeks, pending shareholder approvals. Financial terms were not disclosed.
About Handmark
Handmark is a leading provider of entertainment, information and productivity applications for mobile phones. The company offers a comprehensive range of mobile media solutions for consumers, as well as businesses looking to expand their reach by offering compelling mobile content and services across a wide range of mobile operating systems and handsets. Handmark has been recognized for its mobile development expertise and management of a variety of desktop and on-device mobile stores full of the industry’s best games, applications and ringtones. Pocket Express®, the company’s flagship news and information service is a fast, simple, free alternative to traditional mobile browsing offering instant access to up to the minute news, sports, weather, travel information and more.
About FreeRange Communications
FreeRange Communications is a mobile technology company with a mobile publishing platform that enables media companies and content publishers to create branded, always-on channels on the mobile handset, make content available on demand to mobile subscribers and increase revenues with mobile advertising and marketing. Founded in 2004, FreeRange Communications is privately held and based in Portland, Ore. More information can be found at www.freerangeinc.com.
© 2009 Handmark, Inc.; Handmark®, Pocket Express®, Astraware®, and the distinctive hand design are registered trademarks of Handmark, Inc. in the U.S. and other territories. All rights reserved. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.
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Contact:
Erica Cohen
Handmark
(816) 268-2956
ecohen@handmark.com