Cross-platform Payment Solution for m-Commerce (Germany)
Smartphones and other mobile appliances are becoming ever more important as a distribution channel. Aiming to simplify m-commerce for merchants, Deutsche Card Services presents optimised payment pages for mobile appliances at the Mobey Forum in Frankfurt. In contrast to apps, these payment page modules are browser-based and therefore not limited to a specific platform, smartphone or tablet.
Jens Mahlke, member of the Management Board of Deutsche Card Services, says: “A recent GfK study has shown that Germans are a bit more reluctant than others to use m-commerce, but this is certainly a growth market. We are very happy to be the first German acquirer to offer a solution which is not limited to specific network operators, appliance brands or software versions, but works across the system.”
A recent study by the German E-Commerce and Distance Selling Trade Association and CEG Creditreform Consumer shows that consumers are consistent in their payment method choices across the different sales channels. In m-commerce, with one-quarter of all smartphone owners already using this new shopping method, traditional payment methods such as credit cards are leading, too. To process these payments, the mobile solution of Deutsche Card Services enables the use of 3D-Secure (“Verified by Visa”/”MasterCard SecureCode”) just as in e-commerce.
Moreover, the Deutsche Bank subsidiary’s payment solution obviously complies with the important data security standard PCI DSS. Sensitive payment data are highly secure in m-commerce, too, and both customers and merchants enjoy the highest possible protection against misuse and non-payment. The mobile payment pages by Deutsche Card Services support not only Visa and MasterCard, but also other cards such as Maestro, Carte Bancaire, Carte Bleu, Dankort or Bancontact, provided that the cards are registered for online use.
Contact: Deutsche Card Services, Marketing&Communications, Tobias Hauptvogel, Tel.: +49-221-99577-728, http://www.deutsche-card-services.com, E-mail: pr.deucs@db.com.
Deutsche Telekom to acquire 10% of OTE (Greece)
If sources are to be believed, Greece is planning to sell 10% of its remaining share in OTE by activating an option with Deutsche Telekom.
According to reports, DT is obliged to acquire a 10% stake in OTE at a pre-agreed price under an agreement in 2008. The Greek state currently has a 16% stake in OTE. The price will be 15 percent higher than the average share price of the last 20 sessions on the Athens stock exchange.
According to Deutsche Telekom CEO Rene Obermann, if the Greek government exercises the option, the German operator will meet the terms of the contract.
Axel Springer launches 3 music magazines to iPad app (Germany)
Axel Springer, which is a Germany-based publisher, has launched three music magazines to its iPad digital subscription app iKiosk.
With this service, subscribers can order the digital editions of Rolling Stone, MusikExpress and Metal Hammer through iKiosk or choose a monthly, three months or annual subscription.
The iKiosk app was originally introduced in April 2010 and will now be available in the German and Swiss iTunes store offering access to digital editions of more than 30 newspapers and magazines.
comScore Launches Mobile Measurement in Canada
comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR), a leader in measuring the digital world, today announced the introduction of its syndicated mobile measurement service, comScore MobiLens, in Canada. MobiLens offers insights into mobile consumers’ demographics, behaviors, and device attributes and capabilities, to provide a comprehensive picture of the mobile market. Canada marks the eighth individual market now reported in MobiLens, along with U.S, U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Japan.
“We are excited to bring MobiLens to market in Canada in order to deliver a mobile measurement solution to this growing industry,” said comScore vice president Bryan Segal. “MobiLens provides valuable and actionable reporting capabilities, essential for establishing mobile as a legitimate advertising medium. Advertisers, publishers, advertising agencies, and mobile carriers alike can now gain visibility into Canada’s mobile audience and optimize their sales and marketing strategies for this rapidly developing market.”
Mobile Behaviors in Canada
Mobile subscribers in Canada exhibited strong usage of mobile media on their devices. In March 2011, 40.6 percent of mobile users in Canada used an application on their mobile device, while 32.7 percent used a mobile browser. Accessing of news/information was conducted by 35.2 percent of the mobile audience, while social networking sites or blogs were used by 25.4 percent. Sending text messages and taking photos with their phone were the top two activities, used by 64.5 percent and 48.9 percent, respectively. Accessing work or personal email represented 29.7 percent of the total mobile audience.
| Select Mobile Behaviors in Canada March 2011 Total Canada Mobile Audience Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens |
|
| Share of Mobile Subscribers | |
| Total Mobile Subscribers: 13+ yrs old | 100.0% |
| Sent text message | 64.5% |
| Took photos | 48.9% |
| Used application | 40.6% |
| Accessed news and information | 35.2% |
| Used browser | 32.7% |
| Used email (work or personal) | 29.7% |
| Played games | 27.3% |
| Accessed social networking site or blog | 25.4% |
| Accessed weather | 22.9% |
| Used major instant messaging service | 21.1% |
| Accessed search | 21.1% |
| Captured video | 20.3% |
| Listened to music on mobile phone | 19.0% |
| Accessed maps | 17.5% |
| Accessed sports information | 13.1% |
| Accessed entertainment news | 13.0% |
| Accessed movie information | 12.0% |
| Accessed bank accounts | 11.1% |
| Accessed restaurant information | 9.8% |
| Accessed financial news or stock quotes | 9.4% |
Smartphone Penetration Across Global Markets
Smartphone adoption continues to spread across the globe at various rates. Canada’s smartphone penetration reached 32.8 percent in March 2011, marginally higher than that of the U.S. The U.K. led all reportable markets in smartphone penetration at 40.8 percent, followed by Spain (40.2) percent and Italy (38.3 percent).
| Smartphone Penetration Across Global Markets March 2011 Total Mobile Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens |
|
| Share of Mobile Subscribers | |
| Total Smartphone Subscribers | 100.0% |
| United Kingdom | 40.8% |
| Spain | 40.2% |
| Italy | 38.3% |
| Canada | 32.8% |
| United States | 32.2% |
| France | 31.4% |
| Germany | 28.3% |
| Japan | 9.7% |
Smartphone Platform Market Share in Canada
In March 2011, 6.6 million people in Canada owned smartphones, representing one-third of the total mobile audience. RIM was the leading mobile smartphone operating system with 42.0 percent share of Canadian smartphone subscribers. Apple ranked second with 31.0 percent share, followed by Google with 12.2 percent, Symbian with 6.4 percent share and Microsoft with 5.1 percent share.
| Top Smartphone Platforms March 2011 Total Canada Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens |
|
| Share of Smartphone Subscribers | |
| Total Smartphone Subscribers | 100.0% |
| RIM | 42.0% |
| Apple | 31.0% |
| 12.2% | |
| Symbian | 6.4% |
| Microsoft | 5.1% |
Mobile Industry Leaders Voice Support for comScore Mobile Measurement in Canada
“comScore has a heritage of commitment to the Canadian marketplace. With the growth of mobile from a consumer perspective, and an advertising platform, we are very excited to see the first ongoing syndicated measurement of the mobile market established,” said Michael Becker, Managing Director of North America for the Mobile Marketing Association. “The availability of ongoing data should only help raise the profile and investment in this important and growing media”
“Consumption of mobile media is dramatically accelerating in the Canadian market,” said Greg Banducci, Head of Mobile, Yahoo! Canada. “In order to continue leading and innovating, Yahoo! relies on on a comprehensive data set to provide insight into consumers’ mobile behaviors; our own methods and insights combine with products like MobiLens provide us with that advantage.”
“Reliable data is an essential ingredient in delivering sound strategic planning and media buying solutions for our customers,” said Robert Jenkyn, Vice President of Digital Solutions at Media Experts. “We welcome the advent of a comprehensive and ongoing mobile measurement service in Canada. We are eager to derive actionable and verified mobile consumer behaviours as we continue to explore this rapidly evolving media.”
For more information on comScore MobiLens, please visit: http://www.comscore.com/Products_Services/Product_Index/MobiLens
About comScore
comScore, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCOR) is a global leader in measuring the digital world and preferred source of digital business analytics. For more information, please visit www.comscore.com/companyinfo.
Nokia Dominates O2 Eco Rating (Germany)
O2 today reveals the latest scores of its Eco rating scheme, highlighting the UK’s most sustainable mobile phones. The Nokia C6-01 and E7-00 share the top spot with scores of 4.1 out of 5 and Nokia handsets comprise three of the top six best handsets.
According to Eco rating, the six most sustainable handsets currently being ranged by O2 are:
| Position | Device |
Score |
| 1st | Nokia C6-01 | 4.1 |
| 1st | Nokia E7-00 | 4.1 |
| 2nd | Samsung Galaxy Mini | 4 |
| 2nd | Samsung Galaxy Ace | 4 |
| 2nd | Sony Ericsson X8 | 4 |
| 2nd | Nokia C7-02 | 4 |
O2 launched Eco rating last August as part of its Think Big sustainability programme which aims to promote sustainable living through O2 products and services. Eco rating has been developed in partnership with independent sustainability experts Forum for the Future (www.forumforthefuture.org) to help customers make an informed decision when buying a mobile phone.
Under Eco rating, virtually every handset O2 sells is accorded a score out of 5 based on the environmental impact of the device, how it helps people lead more sustainable lives, and the ethical performance of the manufacturer. The scores are published online and on sales collateral in O2 stores. Eco rating is the only scheme of its kind to give customers the full picture from which to make their purchasing decision.
“Although the environmental impact of a mobile phone may seem trivial when compared to say a car or fridge, when you consider the vast volumes of mobiles in circulation across the globe, their impact adds up,” said Simon Lee-Smith, O2′s Head of Devices. “We know more and more customers want this level of product transparency and we’re very grateful to the handset manufacturers for their engagement with Eco rating.”
BlackBerry handsets manufactured by RIM were added to Eco rating earlier this year. 90% of the devices ranged by O2 are included in the scheme.
Eco rating joins other environmental initiatives such as O2 Recycle under O2′s Think Big sustainability programme which aims to enable customers to make a real difference for people and the planet. For more information, visit www.o2.co.uk/thinkbig.
O2′s Sustainability team will be on Twitter at 14:00 BST this Friday, 27 May, to discuss all of O2′s environmental initiatives. To take part, follow O2′s Twitter account at www.twitter.com/o2 and submit a question using #askO2.
Further information on the Eco Rating Methodology
Eco rating’s scoring system is based on data supplied by manufacturers.
It covers three broad areas:
1) The overall environmental impact of the device over its lifespan:
- The raw materials it contains
- The impact caused by its manufacture
- Packaging
- Longevity and energy efficiency
- How easy it is to reuse or recycle.
2) The functionality of handsets, highlighting devices which help people live more sustainable lives, for example:
- By replacing the need to own a separate camera or music player
- By providing software to plan journeys by public transport or on foot
3) The ethical performance of manufacturers including:
- Labour standards in the supply chain
- Safety and environmental principles
- Social inclusion and community programmes
- Carbon and water management.
Telefonica Germany launches new roaming add-on
Telefonica Germany ha stated that it will be offering its O2 postpaid subscribers with new tariff options for making phone calls and mobile surfing while travelling in Europe. The service will be effective from 6 June.
With the new travel option ‘O2 Reiseoption,’ subscribers will have to pay US$0.43 per minute for outgoing calls. A one-time connection fee of US$1.07 for the first 60 minutes is charged for incoming calls, while each over-the-limit minute costs US$0.25. Mobile surfers are charged US$2.15 for 1 MB, while sending an SMS costs US$0.18.
The EU data cost limit of US$85.51 per month will still apply. The travel option is valid for all new and existing customers. Customers who already use the ‘Standardabrechnung Weltzonen’ or the ‘Mobiles Internet Ausland’ option will benefit automatically from the new option and they can switch back to their previous package at any time free of charge.
The new data rates for the ‘O2 Reiseoption’ will apply to prepaid customers as well, starting from 1 July. At the same time, the data rates in World zone 4 will be lowered, which means customers will be able to surf for as little as US$0.15 per 10 KB. The ‘Internet Day Pack EU’ will be reduced to US$13 per day for 100 MB instead of US$18 for 50 MB.
The price for the popular ‘My Europe Top’ option for frequent callers will also be lowered. In the future, it will be available for US$8 a month instead of US$12.
3M invests in German e-book reader developer txtr
3M New Ventures and 3M Electro & Communications Business, which are a part of 3M group, has invested in Txtr, a German e-book reader developer.
The eReading business opportunities have gradually increased. txtr provides advanced mobile applications and an eReading infrastructure.
txtr’s eReading and mobile software application experience complements 3M’s material science expertise. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Vodafone extends World Calling Club promotion (Qatar)
Vodafone Qatar has extended its World Calling Club international call rates to more than 180 countries for just US$17.69 a minute until June 30.
All of the most popular calling destinations are included in this promotion, which included Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Ghana, India, Iran, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America and Yemen.
Vodafone is also extending until 30 June its International Calling Card 25 offer that gives customers 51 minutes of talk time at a rate of US$0.13 a minute. The countries included in this are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Thailand, Syria, Sudan, Turkey, Bahrain, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Telekom launches security software for mobile phones (Germany)
Deutsche Telekom has introduced MobileSecurity, a mobile device security package for businesses. The package consists of software to protect mobile devices from viruses, spyware, malware as well as the possibility to disable the device from a distance in case of theft.
The MobileSecurity can be added to every business mobile tariffs offering a licence key and client software for every mobile device used with the mobile tariff.
The company pays a monthly fee per licence. MobileSecurity is available for mobile devices using the Symbian, Android and Windows Mobile operating systems and costs US$4 (without VAT) per month. The service complements an existing security package for notebooks, which costs US$5 per licence per month.
MobileSecurity is based on internet security software developed by Finland-based security software developer F-Secure.
Bigben Interactive and ModeLabs Group disclose an agreement (France)
Bigben Interactive and ModeLabs Group disclose their agreement for creating the specialist for products and accessories meeting the requirements of multimedia convergence
- Bigben Interactive launches an alternative takeover bid on 100 % of the share capital of ModeLabs Group through :
- A main exchange offer for 7 ModeLabs Group shares against 2 Bigben Interactive shares and a 9.30 € cash complement,
- A secondary cash offer for MLB shares at a 4.40 € cash price per share, this offer being limited to 5,850,000 ModeLabs Group shares.
- The main shareholders of the MLB Group including the founders and the top management have committed themselves to bring their shares to the Bigben Interactive offer, these commitments totaling more than 46 % of ModeLabs Group share capital.
- Financial figures of both entities combined over a 12 month period show that the new group has sales in excess of 320 €m and a current operating result in excess of 29 €m.
Bigben Interactive (FR0000074072) and ModeLabs Group (FR0010060665) disclose the signing of an agreement aimed at the creation of the European leader for multimedia peripherals which will, in particular, cater for the video game and the mobile phone markets.
Strong complementarities in product offers and commercial franchises for creating the pan- European leader of multimedia accessories
Bigben Interactive, the pan-European leader for the manufacturing and distribution of console accessories and the Distribution segment of the ModeLabs Group, the leading designer and distributor of mobile phone accessories and the number one distributor of mobile phones in France, propose to create a new entity dedicated to products and accessories meeting the requirements of a « multimedia convergence » between the video game market and the mobile phone worlds. The convergence of these worlds, in terms of uses and distribution networks, convinced the managers of both groups of the relevance of such a project and of the resulting creation of value.
Bigben Interactive intends to focus its industrial project only on the distribution of mobile phones and the development of mobile phone accessories carried out by the ModeLabs Group. Therefore the scope of the offer is restricted to the Distribution side of ModeLabs Group, a business segment representing 92 % of 2010 consolidated sales i.e. 220 €m, while the Manufacturing segment (i.e. the segment covering the design and manufacturing of mobiles on demand for luxury brands) is to be disposed of beforehand.
Mr. Stéphane Bohbot, the co-founder of the ModeLabs Group in charge of Manufacturing pledged to take over this business segment.
The new entity will be in a position to offer a complete range of accessories meeting the requirements of multimedia convergence, banking on an obvious expertise in innovation and the development of new products as well as relying on its own brands and a portfolio of trademark licenses.
In addition, the Distribution business of Modelabs will benefit from the commercial franchise of Bigben Interactive in Europe in order to accelerate its development abroad, especially in Germany and in the Benelux.
The activities of Modelabs Distribution will give Bigben Interactive high quality listings in the mobile phone market and in particular a market leadership in France for the thriving accessory business.
Lastly, bringing together these businesses will enable the resulting entity to weather the impact of cycle and seasonality on the historic business of Bigben Interactive, two aspects which both characterize the video game market.
This partnership between Bigben Interactive and the Distribution segment of the ModeLabs Group entails strong commercial and operating synergies. It will enable the setting up of a group with a significant size at the European level with combined sales in excess of 320 €m, positioning the new entity as a leading provider of products meeting multimedia convergence requirements across Europe.
« Our ambition consists in creating the pan-European leader for products and accessories meeting the requirements of multimedia convergence, banking on our joint expertise and our leaderships in France in the design and the distribution of accessories for mobile phones and video game consoles.
We share a common expertise, the creation process and the added value distribution as well as a joint vision of the market and we propose to unite our forces in order to create a top ranking new entity, with an innovation capacity and a financial strength which will allow us to anticipate the new expectations of our customers. » stated Alain Falc, CEO of Bigben Interactive and Alain Zagury, CEO of ModeLabs SA.
Terms and conditions of the transaction
The transaction initiated by Bigben Interactive, subject to the approval of both Autorité des Marchés Financiers (the French financial regulator) and Autorité de la Concurrence (the French competition regulator), will be structured as a combined public offer. Bigben Interactive offers to acquire all the shares of the ModeLabs Group share capital as follows :
- A main exchange offer for 7 ModeLabs Group shares against 2 Bigben Interactive shares and a 9.30 € balancing cash adjustment ;
- A secondary cash offer for ModeLabs Group shares at a 4.40 € cash price per share, this offer being limited to 5,850,000 ModeLabs Group shares.
An agreement was signed on 20 May 2011 between Bigben Interactive, ModeLabs Group and its main managers and shareholders i.e. Alain Zagury and Stéphane Bohbot, after receiving the approval of the board of directors of both groups .
With respect to the disposal of the Manufacturing segment of ModeLabs Group, a part of the Modelabs Group not included in the Offer initiated by Bigben Interactive, and in consideration of its significant needs for short term funding, ModeLabs Group pledged to recapitalise the Manufacturing segment for 15 €m before any disposal. The terms and conditions for selling Modelabs Manufacture to its manager Mr. Stéphane Bohbot, have been reviewed by Bellot Mullenbach & Associés which as an independent appraiser confirmed in particular that the carving up of the Manufacturing segment and its disposal are not likely to damage minority interests in ModeLabs Group.
Further to Stéphane Bohbot’s commitment to take over the Manufacturing segment, Bigben Interactive pledged to acquire part of his ModeLabs Group shares in cash under the same terms and conditions as the secondary cash offer i.e. paying a 4.40 € cash price per Modelabs Group share, but limited to 4.6 % of the group share capital.
For information, ModeLabs Group issued 1,000 bonds on 17 December 2009 with 6,346,000 equity warrants (bon de souscription d’action) attached to these bonds, these securities being currently held by three investors. ModeLabs Group and the bearers of the bonds and the equity warrants have signed an agreement on 20 May 2011 which stipulates that these equity warrants will be bought back by ModeLabs Group and the bonds redeemed in advance. These investors have agreed not to bring their equity warrants to the offer nor to exercise said warrants as ModeLabs Group has pledged to buy them back for a total amount of 14.6 €m. The related bonds will be redeemed for 16.2 €m according to the terms of the issuing contract.
The transaction is supported by the reference shareholders of the ModeLabs Group including the founders, the top management and the OTC investment fund, which have agreed to contribute all their shareholdings to the Bigben Interactive offer. All these commitments total more than 46 % of ModeLabs Group share capital.
At the end of this transaction, Bigben Interactive will review among other alternatives the interest and feasibility of a possible merger with ModeLabs Group.
Prospective timetable for the transaction, subject to the approval of Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF) :
- 23 May 2001: Filing the project of a combined offer with AMF
- 7 June 2011: Declaration of conformity of the combined offer by AMF
- 9 June 2011: Opening of the period of Offering
- 13 July 2011: Closing of the period of Offering
- 5 August 2011: Settlement and delivery
Bigben Interactive was advised on this transaction by Genesta (financial advisor), Alerion (legal advisor) while Natixis sponsored the transaction and guaranteed the Offer.
ModeLabs Group was advised by Bryan, Garnier & Co (financial advisor) and Latham & Watkins (legal advisor).
About Bigben Interactive
A leading independent distributor and manufacturer of video game console peripherals, Bigben Interactive is a software publisher as well, mainly for video game console formats. It offers a complete distribution solution across Europe with its subsidiaries in Germany and Benelux and agreements with distribution partners in other territories.
Bigben Interactive, a public company listed on the Eurolist of Nyse Euronext Paris,C market segment, posted 101 €m sales for its 2010/2011 financial year.
About ModeLabs Group
ModeLabs Group, designer of on-demand mobile phones and distribution specialist for telecom products, is a new generation player in the mobile phone market. It designs, develops and distributes in a flexible manner and integrated way mobile phones, accessories and services for telecom providers, retailers and well-known brands. Its business is organised around two strategic segments:
- ModeLabs manufacture which uses its expertise in creation & design and a technological know-how allowing luxury brands such as TAG Heuer, Dior and Versace to create their own ranges of mobile phones and implements a qualitative and selective distribution on the 3 continents through department stores, fashion stores and the watchmakers/jewellers network.
- ModeLabs Distribution which aside from being the historic leader in the distribution of mobile phone accessories and mobile phones, is a specialist in the design and distribution of accessories and telecom products under licensed trademarks, and enjoys a presence in all distribution channels: mobile operators, mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), food retailers and specialist retailers, telecom specialists, independent retailers and e-commerce.
ModeLabs Group, a public company listed on the Eurolist of Nyse Euronext Paris,C market segment, posted 240 €m sales including 220 €m by Modelabs Distribution and 20 €m by Modelabs Manufacture for its last financial year ending on 31 December 2010.
