Nuance Buys BeVocal 638597

BURLINGTON, Mass. -- Nuance Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NUAN - News), a leading supplier of speech and imaging solutions, today announced that it has signed an agreement to acquire BeVocal, a provider of self-service customer care solutions that address the unique business requirements of the mobile communications market and its customers. The acquisition of BeVocal expands Nuance's existing product portfolio with a unique solution set for mobile customer lifecycle management and a range of premium services for the mobile consumer.

According to industry data, there are currently two billion mobile subscribers globally, with a surge to three billion subscribers expected by 2010. As this base of mobile subscribers expands, BeVocal's solutions address the significant domestic and global requirements for companies to reduce costs, increase revenue and improve mobile customer satisfaction. Through this acquisition, BeVocal brings to Nuance a portfolio of highly repeatable applications, proven success within major reference accounts and a predictable, recurring revenue stream derived from software-as-a-service (SaaS) and subscription-based offerings. BeVocal's customers include Cingular, Liberty Wireless, Metro PCS and Virgin Mobile.

"The acquisition of BeVocal expands our position as a leading supplier of speech enabled solutions to mobile carriers and their customers," said Paul Ricci, chairman and CEO, Nuance. "The growth of the mobile industry, coupled with the value of speech as a means of accessing information and services in this environment, presents a great opportunity to expand the presence of Nuance solutions in the mobile market. BeVocal's intellectual property, solutions expertise and established carrier relationships will expand our ability to serve this growing market."

Nuance Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: NUAN)