Media group Naspers on Friday announced the acquisition of a 30% stake in popular instant-messaging service MXit Lifestyle for an undisclosed amount.
MXit is an instant-messaging service for cellphones. It allows users to send and receive SMSs using a cellphone at a fraction of the cost of an SMS. MXit currently has about three million users.
“MXit entertained investment offers locally and internationally for more than 12 months and we set ourselves strict criteria in terms of investment, culture and synergies,” MXit founder and CEO Herman Heunis said.
“We are very excited about teaming up with a South African company that has such an extensive global footprint, not only in media but other technology sectors.”
Commenting on the acquisition, Naspers global internet CEO Antonie Roux said: “MXit has a wonderful product and an impressive entrepreneurial management team. We are delighted at the prospect of working with them.” – I-Net Bridge