Walt Disney Internet Group acquires Living Mobile
Munich-based firm to operate as WDIG subsidiary
The Walt Disney Internet Group has acquired Munich-based mobile content publisher Living Mobile for an undisclosed sum.
Living Mobile, which was founded in 2001, has a portfolio of more than 70 games including Bomberman, Lode Runner and Resident Evil, developing and publishing titles across Europe and in Singapore. The company will now operate as a subsidiary of WDIG Europe.
Disney is billing the deal as part of an overall strategy to develop its mobile business and raise the company's profile in the mobile content market.
"We're committed to maintaining our position as a top-tier mobile content publisher with a portfolio including both Disney branded content and content from third parties," said Mark Handler, executive vice president and managing director of WDIG International.
"Purchasing Living Mobile is a key part of that commitment."
Living Mobile president Stephan Berendsen commented: "Disney was the first major entertainment company to make a meaningful commitment to mobile content."
"They understand this business and have a great infrastructure in place, and we look forward to helping them grow internationally."
Disney's first move into the mobile market was in August 2000 following a deal with Japan's NTT DoCoMo. Disney became the number one mobile entertainment brand in the region, with distribution on four major carriers and more than 3.3 million paid subscriptions.
The company's portfolio now includes more than 6000 products and services including ringtones, voicetones, games, videos, graphics and applications distributed throughout 32 countries via more than 65 carriers and distributors.