Opera Software Acquires App-Discovery And Monetization Company Bemobi

Browser maker Opera Software has acquired Bemobi, a subscription-based mobile-app-discovery service with a strong focus on the South America market. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year.

Founded in 1995 and based in Oslo, Norway, Opera Software develops and sells web browsers for the desktop and mobile market worldwide. It offers Opera Web pass, which allows mobile operators to sell data packages namely: Opera Mini, a hosted solution; Rocket Optimizer software optimize mobile video and data for operators; and Horizon, a mobile browser extension and toolbar platform. 

In addition, Opera also offers Open Mobile Ad Exchange, an open platform that brings mobile publishers, carriers and advertisers together in a marketplace; Opera Audience Network, a business intelligence tools; Opera Mobile Store, a mobile search solution and Opera TV Store, an HTML5-based storefront of apps optimized for TV. 

Launched in 2000 and based in Brazil, Bemobi offers “Netflix-style” subscription service for premium Android apps. The company's proprietary app-wrapping technology allows smartphone owners to have access to an unlimited use of premium mobile apps. Mobile users pay for Bemobi's service through their mobile operator billing systems. Bemobi has more than 6 million subscribers. The company's distribution partners include some of the biggest names in the Latin America market- Claro, Telefonica, America Movil, Telcel and Oi. 

Opera said in a statement: “The combination of Bemobi’s industry leading service with Opera’s global footprint, existing carrier and handset manufacturer relationships and app-distribution capabilities, allows Opera to bring innovative app-discovery and monetization services across the globe and position Opera as the global leader in this space.” 

Image Credit: Opera Software