Energized by rapid development in mobile and cloud computing, growth in social gaming, and the increasing popularity of group commerce, the digital media M&A market navigated through uncertain economic conditions to post a respectable first half in 2010. In total, 564 transactions were recorded for a reported $9.0 billion, exceeding 1H09 figures by 68% and 117%, respectively.
A rapid rise in mobile web usage accelerated mobile technology development, with competition intensifying in mobile advertising and the multibillion dollar mobile applications market. Apple’s $275 million acquisition of mobile ad network Quattro Wireless, coupled with Google’s $750 million purchase of Quattro competitor AdMob in late 2009, spurred funding rounds for mobile advertisers such as Apptera and AdMarvel.
Social games also attracted a wealth of venture funding -- along with strategic buyers looking to gain a share of the quickly-ascending market -- while group commerce companies were led by Groupon’s $135 million raise.
For a comprehensive analysis of the mid-year 2010 digital media M&A environment, download the complete report from Peachtree Media Advisors at http://www.peachtreemediaadvisors.com/
