Mon, 10/28/2013

2013 Press Releases

REALNETWORKS ACQUIRES MUZICALL, A LEADING MOBILE CARRIER SERVICE PROVIDER

SEATTLE, Oct. 28, 2013RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ: RNWK) today announced the acquisition of Muzicall, a leading service provider for mobile carriers and media companies in Europe, best known for its ringback tone (RBT) platform and innovative direct-to-consumer marketing approach to the RBT business. Muzicall has been integrated into RealNetworks’ Mobile Entertainment division, which in partnership with carriers manages 18 million active global ringback tone subscribers.

By combining Muzicall’s technology and integrated customer relationships with RealNetworks’ existing footprint and global reach, RealNetworks’ Mobile Entertainment division will create an innovative platform that strives to make consumers’ calling experiences more enjoyable and productive.

"Muzicall has done a great job of pioneering direct-to-consumer marketing of RBT in partnership with carriers across Europe," said Max Pellegrini, President of RealNetworks’ Mobile Entertainment division. "We think that combining Muzicall with our very large RBT global footprint and leading technology will strengthen our RBT business and accelerate our program to reinvent and reinvigorate RBT."

"We founded Muzicall in 2004 to change the consumer calling experience," said Richard Jackson, Muzicall founder and Vice President of Sales. "Muzicall has been successful in Europe. By joining forces with RealNetworks, we can expand our horizons globally. The entire Muzicall team is excited about the next chapter of our growth."

Muzicall currently distributes a portfolio of apps that assist with productivity and charity fundraising, as well as music and sports ringback tones, reaching more than 500,000 subscribers across Europe. Notably, Muzicall’s Dead Tone app has been shortlisted for a number of industry-leading awards since it was released. The company’s carrier relationships in Europe include EE (Orange + T-Mobile UK), Virgin Mobile in the United Kingdom, Optimus in Portugal, Swisscom and Orange in Switzerland.

About RealNetworks, Inc.
RealNetworks creates innovative products and services that make it easy for people to connect with and enjoy digital media. RealNetworks invented the streaming media category and continues to connect consumers with their digital media both directly and through partners, aiming to support every network, device, media type and social network. Find RealNetworks corporate information at www.realnetworks.com.

RealNetworks and its respective logos are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of RealNetworks. Other products and company names mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the acquisition of Muzicall, and expectations regarding the integration, future growth, and financial performance of the business. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from the results predicted include technological factors, consumer acceptance, and competitive factors such as the emergence of new entrants in the market. More information about potential risk factors that could affect RealNetworks' business is included in RealNetworks' annual report on Form 10-K for the most recent year ended December 31, its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and in other reports and documents filed by RealNetworks from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or information, which are in effect as of their respective dates.