Metaboli to be acquired ?
2012-02-28
Following the acquisition of Ztorm by retail specialist Gem Distribution, download specialist Metaboli is said by multiple rumors to be the next target for an acquisition in the distribution market. Distribution giant Arvato is the most rumored potential buyer, albeit strongly denying it. As download distribution is getting more and more important for major distributors, the days of independent digital companies is seemingly coming to an end. Other major potential targets are French companies Eptimum and Nexway (also present in Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom).
Microsoft on Avanquest Partner Online portal
2011-02-03 France : software editor and distributor Avanquest Software has started to distribute Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Publisher, OneNote), Windows 7, Visio, Project, Expression Studio, Map Point and AutoRoute through Avanquest Partner Online, the only reseller-oriented European download portal. This pilot program between Microsoft and Avanquest Software aims to answer the demand for flexibility and reactivity from resellers through digital distribution. Avanquest Partner Online is built on Nexway infrastructure and allows resellers to have an immediate access to software, without having to build up any stocks.
Nexway expands in Asia
2010-12-30 Japan : French software download specialist Nexway continues its expansion strategy and has acquired CoGen Media, which has developed a software download platform in the country. This acquisition has been realized thanks to a recent €14m fund-raising through CDC Entreprises and Oddo Asset Management. It will allow the company to be closer to Asian gaming editors, which will thus have an easy access to a worldwide download platform.
Atomblock starts its expansion
2010-10-15
Created last december by Dutch retail specialist Micromedia as a competitor to French Metaboli or American Steam, electronic distribution specialist Atomblock is starting to expand beyond its native countries (Benelux). The company is planning to launch digital download stores in Italy, Spain, the UK and other territories by the end of next year. It may also meet competition on these other countries from Nexway or Eptimum.
Three distributors sign with Bullguard
2010-10-01 France : just three months after arriving in France, PC and mobile phone security editor Bullguard has unveiled partnerships with three distributors : Nexway for electronic distribution, 20:20 Mobile for telecom operators and mobile phone specialists and Aliscom for retailers and e-tailers.
