VeriSign to acquire LightSurf

VeriSign, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement to acquire LightSurf for $270 million in VeriSign stock. LightSurf is a company working in the multimedia messaging and interoperability solutions space for the wireless market.

LighSurf's technology platform enables mobile subscribers to exchange pictures, video, and other forms of multimedia content. LightSurf supports a broad range of mobile devices and wireless networks, and its services are currently being used by millions of subscribers worldwide. Operators and service providers offering the LightSurf solution today include Sprint, Bell Mobility, Kodak, mm02, Rogers Wireless, Microcell, Telecom New Zealand, Iusacell, and Qwest. Additionally, the company works closely with leading handset manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, Motorola, Sanyo, LG International Corp, and Toshiba to develop and deploy easy to use multimedia messaging services.

VeriSign expects to offer carriers a comprehensive wireless data utility that covers all aspects of the mobile content value chain. Functionality will include picture messaging, multimedia messaging services, and Inter-carrier messaging and interoperability.