Livingstone, the leading integrated international investment banking firm, is pleased to announce the successful representation of Openwave Systems, Inc. (“Openwave”, Nasdaq: OPWV), in rendering a fairness opinion concerning the divestiture of its client software business to Purple Labs S.A. (“Purple Labs”), a leading supplier of client software for mass market 3G phones.
This transaction entails Openwave’s client software business, which develops and markets the Openwave browser and messaging clients.
Openwave engaged Livingstone to assess the market value of the client software business and to assist with deal terms. Livingstone has a strong pedigree in the wireless and software markets and assessed the intrinsic value of the client software business against recent market activity involving providers of mobile software, browsers, content delivery, and client technologies.
“Our innovative client offerings established Openwave as an early pioneer in the mobile data market and remain an integral technology to handset manufacturers worldwide,” said Bruce Coleman, interim CEO of Openwave. “As outlined previously, we are focusing our efforts on network-based offerings. This focus will better allow Openwave to innovate and grow profitably. We wish Purple Labs success in leveraging the handset manufacturer relationships and incumbency established with our client offerings.”
“Openwave’s browser and messaging client technologies are the gold standard in the mobile industry, and have been for over a decade,” said Paul Catalano, Managing Director of Livingstone. “This transaction provides Purple Labs with an ideal complement to its existing portfolio, and allows Openwave to focus its innovation on network-based products.”
Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Openwave transferred assets of its client business to Purple Labs on June 27, 2008 in exchange for $30 million in cash, an additional $2 million if certain conditions are met, and warrants to purchase 2% of Purple Labs common stock. Additionally, Openwave will provide transition services to Purple Labs for up to six months, and will bear the first $2 million of such expenses.
About Openwave
Openwave Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: OPWV) is one of the world’s leading innovators of software applications and infrastructure designed to enable revenue-generating, personalized services, including merchandising and advertising, which converge the mobile and broadband experience across all of a user’s devices. Openwave is a global company headquartered in Redwood City, California.
