In-Fusion Acquires Thumbworks, Completes Capabilities To Offer Full Portfolio Of Mobile Entertainment
Strategic Deal Furthers Leadership in Community Related Mobile Applications, Expands North American Presence
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
LOS ANGELES - January 25, 2005 - IN-FUSIO, the international mobile games publisher and gamers community management provider, today announced the acquisition of Thumbworks, a major U.S. publisher of entertainment applications for mobile phones. Craig Holland, former president of Thumbworks, will take the helm of IN-FUSIO's operations in the U.S. and will continue to leverage the existing strong ties to North American-based wireless carriers, technology developers and brand holders.
In addition to expanding IN-FUSIO's U.S. presence, the new structure will accelerate the creation of applications designed to increase user loyalty, players' community activity and broadens the international distribution channel for licensors. The Thumbworks acquisition propels the creation of a mobile entertainment company with a unique offering of wireless games, including 3D and multiplayer titles, as well as high-end products and services such as multi-media for 2.5 and 3G broadband.
"The merger is a definitive step for expanding IN-FUSIO's publishing expertise and technological capabilities, positioning the company as a leading mobile entertainment entity in North America," said Gilles Raymond, co-CEO and President, IN-FUSIO. "Thumbworks' assets help to complete IN-FUSIO's ability to better deliver a wide variety of mobile applications, beyond our existing portfolio of cutting edge games."
IN-FUSIO will also leverage its success in managing the games channel for carriers in Europe and China in combination with Thumbworks' current infrastructure to build community-oriented mobile entertainment for the North American market.
"Anyone who has a cell phone is inherently 'connected'- but we want to go further than that," said Holland, Managing Director for North America, IN-FUSIO Inc. "We have joined forces with IN-FUSIO and have already started to develop compelling, potentially market shifting applications dedicated to creating community-related mobile entertainment. We are working to ultimately build connections for the mobile user that render meaningless the current distinctions between wireless, online and traditional media."
Thumbworks, known for its branded mobile entertainment and superior quality assurance and porting operations, will also bolster IN-FUSIO's portfolio of award winning titles by contributing popular games such as Jeep® Off-road Jam, Suzuki® Motocross Challenge, Etch-A -Sketch®, Element SurfingTM (sponsored by American Honda) and Tennis by Wilson®. Thumbworks has also recently launched CellToonsTM, a streaming animation channel available on Sprint PCS.
About Thumbworks
Thumbworks Inc. is a leading publisher of applications and entertainment products for mobile phones and other wireless devices for consumers. With headquarters in Tustin, Calif., Thumbworks has introduced wireless products on behalf of some of the world's best-known brands, including market leaders such as Jeep, Paramount Pictures, Honda, Viacom, Wilson, and Suzuki and Walden Media. Thumbworks also works with developers all over the world to bring the finest game and entertainment programs to consumers everywhere. For more information, visit www.thumbworks.com.
About IN-FUSIO
IN-FUSIO is a leading international mobile entertainment company, publishing top-tier games for cell phones and delivering players' community management services.
Focusing on quality, innovation and community, IN-FUSIO applications are enjoyed by more than 15 million people worldwide, through 130 operators and portals across all handset platforms (Java, ExEn, BREW, Symbian, Windows Mobile and I-Mode). IN-FUSIO's portfolio of more than 70 games includes licensed properties such as Microsoft's Midtown Madness® 3 Mobile and Zoo Tycoon® 2 Mobile, Comedy Central's South Park®, Universal Studios' E.T.TM, Canal Studio Image's The TerminatorTM, Golden TeeTM, RollerbladeTM, as well as the award winning original titles Shado Fighter and the IF Racing series. The company successfully provides carriers, developers and brand owners the best opportunity to maximize the value of their offerings with the largest mobile distribution network.
IN-FUSIO currently has offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Bordeaux, Moscow and Shanghai. IN-FUSIO's customers include Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Vodafone D2, Orange France, SFR, Orange UK, Vodafone Omnitel, Telefonica Moviles and China Mobile. For more information, please visit www.in-fusio.com.
For further IN-FUSIO press inquiries, please contact:
Yann Mondon
VP of Brand & Communication
IN-FUSIO
Tel: +33 557 773 815
GSM: + 33 (0) 630 512 294
email: yann.mondon@in-fusio.com
John Davies
MUSTARD PR
+44 (0)1753 889100
+44 (0)7776 185533