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Media Release   
Webraska and AirFlash Merge to Create Merged Company Uniquely Positioned Most Complete Offering for Development Saratoga, CA, USA and Maisons-Laffitte, France - Webraska, the worldwide provider of wireless navigation services and technologies, and AirFlash, a leading provider of location-based technologies and services for network operators and wireless service providers, today announced they are merging to create a global leader in LBS (Location-based Services) applications and application development solutions. The combined entity has among its clients over twelve carriers on four continents serving in excess of 80 million mobile phone customers.
The agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval in California and France, has been unanimously approved by both Boards of Directors. Webraska shareholders will own 87% and AirFlash shareholders 13% of the new entity. The new company will be headquartered in Maisons-Lafffitte (Worldwide HQ) and Saratoga, California (North America HQ). Jean-Michel Durocher, who remains Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Webraska, said: "Both companies were already market leaders. It became clear that we should combine the context-driven LBS applications and software application development platform from AirFlash with the carrier-grade geo-spatial technology and the car navigation and telematics applications from Webraska." He continued: "We expect our customers to continue to make investments in infrastructure and applications that allow their users to stay in touch with co-workers, friends and family." Rama Aysola, CEO of Airflash, who becomes Executive Vice President for Strategic Development, said: "The market is looking for leadership and defacto standardization in the area of LBS software platforms. The combination of AirFlash and Webraska offers a clear leader with significant presence in largest markets for LBS applications and services." Rama also noted that: "We have heard from customers that they need a vendor with a proven track record of successful LBS solutions. The combined company will provide these customers with years of experience in the wireless marketplace." About Webraska Webraska is the worldwide provider of wireless navigation services and technologies. About Airflash AirFlash" provides location-based technologies and services to network operators and wireless service providers. AirFlash develops, integrates and deploys infrastructure software that enables wireless carriers to rapidly deploy location-based services to their mobile subscribers and customers. The AirFlash SmartZone" platform and services are currently deployed by carriers and portals in the U.S., Europe, and Australia including E-Plus, KnightRidder.com via AT&T PocketNet Service, Mviva, Orange PCS Ltd, Viag Interkom, and Vodafone. AirFlash has headquarters in Silicon Valley and London and sales presence in Washington D.C., Toronto, London, Munich, Sydney, Frankfurt, Netherlands and Paris. For more information please contact: /
© Webraska Mobile Technologies S.A. 2001 |
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