Sinch, a global leader in cloud communications for mobile customer engagement, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MessengerPeople, a leading German Software-as-a-Service platform for conversational messaging. The transaction is valued at EUR 48 million.
Founded in Munich in 2015, MessengerPeople offers a cloud-based software suite that makes it easy for businesses to engage with their customers via messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram and Apple Business Chat (iMessage).
Considered a pioneer in its field, Munich-based MessengerPeople was amongst the very first innovators to recognise the potential of next-generation messaging channels. To date, more than 700 businesses have used MessengerPeople applications to engage with their customers, and around 80% of these businesses are based in the DACH region.
Oscar Werner, CEO of Sinch, said:
“I’m very impressed with the MessengerPeople team and their success in bringing innovative products to market. Most businesses have yet to discover the benefits of conversational messaging, and together we are superbly placed to win in this market as uptake now begins to accelerate.”
Easy-to-use applications that are designed for business users provided by MessengerPeople perfectly complement Sinch’s API-based offering for larger enterprises and channel partners. The MessengerPeople platform is particularly well-suited for pre-sales and customer care, which accounts for around 85 percent of current volumes. Monetisation is based primarily on subscriptions and monthly active users, through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model.
MessengerPeople serves businesses across a broad range of verticals such as eCommerce, Automotive, Public Authorities, and Media. Current customers include travel & tourism leader TUI, e-commerce specialist Women’s Best, and the state government of Telangana, India.
The acquisition follows Sinch’s ongoing organic investments and previous acquisitions in next-generation, conversational messaging. Integration cost is estimated to SEK 16 million over 12 months, with targets centered on cross-sales, accelerated geographic expansion, and product integration with Sinch’s communication APIs and related Sinch applications.
Franz Buchenberger, founder & CEO of MessengerPeople, said:
“Mobile messaging is simple, quick and interactive – and used by people all over the world. Empowering businesses to use messaging is a tremendous market opportunity, and teaming up with Sinch gives us the size to pursue it on a global scale.”
