“Today’s investment, Wellington Financial’s third deal in the Canadian
wireless content arena, expands our portfolio position in one of the country’s
fastest growing market segments. Wmode’s mobile content distribution services
are essential to carriers and wireless providers worldwide in an increasingly
competitive wireless landscape. Their early success in this critical market
niche made them a tremendously compelling partner for Wellington Financial,”
said Mark McQueen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wellington
Financial LP. “Our venture debt capital will help facilitate near-term
acquisition opportunities and assist Wmode as it tackles the significant
opportunities in its global carrier pipeline.”
Founded in 2000, Wmode developed and operates “ClearMode”, a Mobile
Content Distribution Service that facilitates the content management, delivery
and payment of mobile Internet media. Wmode offers a suite of technologies and
services on a managed service basis that enables mobile operators, content
providers and media and brand companies to offer and deliver a broad range of
mobile Internet content and services to their consumers. In conjunction with
this service, Wmode takes on the role of procuring content and negotiating
with content partners on behalf of wireless carriers, managing both the
business and technical issues necessary to distribute content.
“The team at Wellington Financial is keenly aware of the opportunities in
the wireless content space, and they have shown a strong understanding of our
business strategy and objectives with both their counsel and their meaningful
financial commitment,” said Emanuel Bertolin, Chief Executive Officer of
Wmode. “We are excited about the role that Wellington Financial is playing in
the global growth strategy of our Company. Their product offering provides
true growth capital for our business.”
Wmode operates its services at mobile carriers, broadband service
providers and mobile virtual network operators (“MVNO”s) in North America,
Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The company is privately
owned and employs more than 80 individuals operating from its offices in
Calgary, Alberta, Toronto, Ontario and Bern, Switzerland.
Q1 Capital Partners acted as advisor to Wmode on the financing. Blake,
Cassels & Graydon LLP and TingleMerrett, LLP provided legal advice for this
transaction.
Wellington Financial LP is currently managing a new $400 million
investment program via Wellington Financial Fund III. Since inception,
Wellington Financial LP has led or participated in more than $161 million in
transactions, making it one of the most active funds of its kind in Canada.
