WIN, which enables entertainment, information and interaction services in the mobile media environment, has acquired the mobile user-generated Content (UGC) provider, Pop-I Media.
Pop-Is business is built around user-generated mobile content, in particular, the creation of media communities through sharing images. The company provides branded and wholesale services for consumers to upload mobile photographs to media websites, principally those owned by ITN and Sky, and is one of only 10 service providers to be incorporated into the Sky Red Button interactive service home page. It also facilitates interactive competitions and promotions for these clients, including ITN TV Lookalike, Sky Text Me and My Sports Moment.
The agreement, made less than four weeks after WINs acquisition of Swiss content enabler Quattrocomm, is the latest move in the companys drive to grow the business in the broadcast media market, among others. The acquisition will enable WIN to draw upon Pop-Is innovative technology and established media contracts.
The Pop-I business will be integrated into WINs existing media platform, and will employ WINs existing sales force. Barry McGovern, one of the founders of Pop-I, will continue to support the development of the business, in particular through managing and growing the existing client base.
This acquisition provides an excellent opportunity to build greater use of picture messaging and to develop our existing media business, says WIN Chief Executive, Graham Rivers. Pop-I brings impressive additional clients to the group, and we believe that the development of our business will see greater use of media and video images within digital marketing, as well as the commercialisation of interactive media.
Pop-I Co-founder Barry McGovern adds:
Pop-I is at the forefront of the rapidly changing digital marketing sector, where consumers use our platform to interact with others. WINs technology will help develop our services and we look forward to working with such an experienced team.