Kayak Interactive & Synergenix Interactive Join Forces
Combination Creates Leading Mobile Entertainment Company
February 10th 2005. Mobile games publishers Kayak Interactive and Synergenix Interactive today announced that they are joining forces to create a leader in the mobile entertainment industry. The new company will operate as Kayak Interactive, and Synergenix will become a wholly owned subsidiary.
The new mobile entertainment company is distributing content in North America, Europe and Asia through over forty carriers and numerous alternative channels. In addition, over ten different handset manufacturers worldwide are on the customer list. The company will directly publish and distribute a combined and greatly increased product portfolio created by its world class in-house development studio together with an extensive network of external developers from around the world.
The merger also creates a company with a unique technology leadership position. The strong Java and Brew games publishing business is complemented with two industry leading technologies mophunTM and Kayak LiveTM. mophunTM is the best cross platform game middleware for Brew, Symbian, Smartphone and Wipi. Kayak LiveTM is the leading connected entertainment platform for mobile games which works for Java and Brew games, and on any carrier network.
Keith McCurdy, will continue as President and CEO of the new company. Martin Forsling, currently CEO of Synergenix Interactive, will become Managing Director of Europe for Kayak and will operate as CEO of the Synergenix subsidiary. Together they have a proven track record of leadership in building global interactive entertainment. Mr. McCurdy was previously with Electronic Arts for over 10 years and held various executive management roles. Mr. Forsling has a background as an entrepreneur and board level senior manager.
"Kayak and Synergenix are an ideal match" says Keith McCurdy. "The different strengths within each company creates a whole far greater than the parts. The new combined company is well positioned to be a major player in this fast growing market. Kayak now has both world wide distribution and world wide product development in place. We feel this is a critical requirement that any mobile publisher needs to have in order to compete. In addition, our two unique and sophisticated technology platforms give us a clear competitive advantage that will enable us to deliver compelling entertainment around the globe."
"We have yet to see the truly groundbreaking entertainment which a mobile device can offer." says Martin Forsling. "By combining two acclaimed pioneers with world class people, distribution, gaming middleware, multiplayer technology, and financial backing we are positioned to be the one that makes a difference."
The Kayak headquarters will remain in San Mateo, California and the Synergenix office in Stockholm, Sweden will be an addition to offices in Princeton, NJ, and an office soon to be opened in Beijing, China.
About Kayak Interactive
Kayak Interactive is a global publisher of mobile games with a focus on broadening the market for mobile games through the design and delivery of active game communities. Built by the world's best studios, each Kayak game can include a rich community player experience based on the company's Kayak LiveTM Game Service. Kayak was founded in 2003 with funding led by VantagePoint Venture Partners and TL Ventures. For more information, please visit www.kayakInteractive.com.
About Synergenix Interactive
Synergenix Interactive AB enables mobile network operators to increase revenue with world class mobile game content for all major mobile platforms; Java, mophun, Symbian, and Brew. Synergenix also gives handset manufacturers the possibility to enhance their terminals with embedded games and the highly acclaimed mophunTM middleware. Synergenix has a wide portfolio of games and recent and upcoming titles include Conflict: Vietnam, Carmageddon, Highlander, Reservoir Dogs, and GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS. The company is located in Stockholm, Sweden.
Contact:
Lisa Paulson
Kayak Interactive