MALMO, Sweden, March 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aspiro is targeting its business activities towards developing and supplying mobile consumer applications. To achieve this Aspiro is further developing its largest business areas, Consumer Services and SMS traffic processing management (Community Services) based on the company's technology platform (Technology). All other business areas are to be sold.
In order to concentrate on providing mobile consumer services to mobile operators and companies with strong brand names, Aspiro has decided to sell its other business activities: Corporate Services Fleet Manager and Mobile TextPhone, text telephony for the deaf. In addition, certain functions within the company such as the operation of applications and SMS processing and Aspiro's internal IT support are to be contracted out to third parties. The decision allows Aspiro to free management resources and concentrate on core business activities whilst also making the company more efficient.
The sales process and the purchase of external services has already begun. The new company focus will also reduce administration at, among other places, Aspiro's head office in Malmo, Sweden. Other measures include the planned closure of Aspiro's operations center in Karlskrona. 25 employees of the present seventy-strong workforce may be affected by the proposed measures. At the same time, Aspiro propose a new payroll system for employees whereby at least ten percent of salaries will constitute a variable portion linked to the company's goals and results. Total annual cost-savings from these moves are estimated at SEK 10-15 million. Negotiations with trade union representatives will begin immediately.
"This new focus allows Aspiro to concentrate all our energy and resources on mobile consumer applications, the sector of growth in the mobile industry," said Lena Wittbjer, Aspiro's CEO. "So far this year Aspiro has delivered MMS services in trial orders to nine mobile operators. This means that Aspiro's services are now used by some twenty mobile operators around the world, doubling our operator base in just a few months".
In 2002, Aspiro has signed several new agreements involving consumer applications with mobile operators. Moreover, the company's distribution agreement with Ericsson has led to a further contract for 21 Aspiro services to a European mobile operator.
About Aspiro
Aspiro offers mobile teleoperators, portals, companies and organizations a wide range of attractive services designed to meet the individual's needs for information, entertainment and communication via mobile media. The company's vision is to become an external mobile services division for mobile operators and companies with strong brands.
Founded in 1998, Aspiro is today an important player in the global mobile Internet market. Aspiro's business concept, organization and operations are based on many years of experience gained in the mobile telecommunications and IT sectors.
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