comScore Buys Mobile Analytics from Nexius

Online measurement firm comScore has acquired the products division of mobile analytics specialist Nexius for $24m in cash and stock.

comScore strengthened its position in the mobile analytics arena in 2008, with the acquisition of mobile measurement firm M:Metrics, which specialized in syndicated surveys for mobile device users as well as competitor tracking for mobile advertising.

Since then, the firm has rolled out the comScore Plan Metrix Mobile solution which combines reported mobile behavior measurement with mobile device ownership information, to provide marketers with attitudinal, lifestyle and product usage information data.

Nexius analyzes customer behavior for mobile phone operators and comScore says that its latest purchase of the firm's Xplore family of products will further strengthen its position in the mobile marketplace, add $4m to its 2010 revenue and boost earnings.

As part of the deal, Nexius CEO Nabil Taleb will join the comScore senior management team as EVP of comScore Wireless Solutions, and the products division will be integrated into comScore's existing telecom and wireless practice.

'This acquisition expands the value we are able to bring operators through the actionable intelligence required to optimize customer experience,' said Dr Magid Abraham, comScore President & CEO. 'With this acquisition, comScore now offers a more comprehensive set of capabilities that operators can leverage to drive value for their partners and customers.'

Nexius' consulting division has been spun off into a separate entity called Nexius Solutions Inc, led by co-founder Nadim (Ned) Taleb.

Web sites: www.comscore.com and www.nexius.com .