Brightstar Strengthens Canadian Presence with WirelessWorks Acquisition

Mobile services company Brightstar is expanding its offerings to Canada with the announcement that it is acquiring WirelessWorks in Ontario. The company specializes in solutions and consulting for mobile network operators and device managers and will cement Brightstar’s presence in Canada.

Brightstar will incorporate WirelessWorks’ solutions to offer a platform for introducing services across the entire device lifecycle. Solutions will be geared toward device manufacturers, mobile network operators, retailers and enterprises. Brightstar will also leverage the acquisition to grow its distribution channel for smartphones, tablets and mobile accessory brands.

"With Brightstar's global capabilities, we're able to provide even greater value to our customers and help strengthen their competitive edge in the market," said Mike Hortie, former CEO of WirelessWorks, and now president of Brightstar Canada. "The WirelessWorks team has a deep understanding of the Canadian telecom market and we are excited that this, combined with our longstanding relationships with key stakeholders in the industry, will provide the platform for the delivery of Brightstar products and services in Canada." WirelessWorks will retain all employees as part of the acquisition deal.

Brightstar also announced a new agreement with wireless distributor and services provider Ooredoo Group this week. The two companies will be working together to provide end-to-end supply chain management while also providing mobile technologies to Ooredoo’s markets. The company is well positioned as a data provider in the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia regions.

The companies will initially work on expansion in Qatar and Kuwait by launching buyback and trade-in initiatives as well as device insurance programs, enhanced IT devices and accessory procurement support. Brightstar will lend support in the procurement process, channel management and distribution and throughout the sales and support process.

“With this support, we will be able to increase the level of smartphone penetration in our markets and enhance our data revenue,” said Ahmed Al Derbesti, COO of Ooredoo Group. “The partnership will also increase customers' satisfaction levels in Ooredoo shops around the world."

According to Brightstar, the telecom industry in the Middle East has been steadily moving toward an operator-driven model with 80 percent smartphone penetration and an increase in LTE networks. Offering specialized programs and financing in the region is critical to continued growth and strengthening channel relationships as mobility there continues to take off.