Boston, Massachusetts, USA and Sao Paulo, Brazil — Wyless, a global M2M managed services provider and TM Data, the first Brazilian M2M operator, have agreed the acquisition by Wyless of a majority stake in TM Data and the joint formation of Wyless TM Data Brazil. And one analyst says this makes Wyless more of a target for acquisition themselves.
Founded 13 years ago in Sao Paulo, TM Data is a pioneer in M2M Managed Services in the Brazilian market, operating a managed network connected to all four national mobile network operators (MNOs); Vivo, Claro, TIM and OI.
TM Data currently provides managed connectivity across all major machine-to-machine communications (M2M) verticals and is also rolling out ancillary services in network management, consulting and equipment lifecycle management. Through Porthos™, the Wyless global delivery platform, Wyless TM Data Brazil will also extend its reach into other international markets.
Dan McDuffie (pictured above), Wyless’s CEO, said: “Brazil is one of the largest growth opportunities in the M2M and Internet of Things market globally, and one of the most challenging of the BRIC regions to enter. Wyless TM Data Brazil will offer a bridge to and from this coveted market for our partners around the world, and also serve as a jumping off point into other bordering Latin countries. It’s not just about connectivity, but end-to-end solutions, from local representation, certification assistance, consulting, and a broad range of managed services. We are very honoured and excited to add such an experienced executive and entrepreneur as Sergio Souza, founder of TM Data, to the Wyless management team.”
Sergio Souza, president and CEO of TM Data, said: “TM Data was founded foreseeing the huge potential of M2M in Brazil. I am very pleased to combine TM Data experience and the reliable network we built with our partners TIM, CLARO, VIVO and OI with the advanced technology and global reach of Wyless. The financial strength brought by Wyless Group will allow our operation to grow faster in Brazil and into our neighbouring countries. It will be a great pleasure to work with such a successful group of executives and seasoned global investors.”
Commenting on the announcement, Matt Hatton, director of Machina Research added: “Brazil is the new hot favourite in the M2M world. The big challenge is around ‘permanent roaming‘ and whether you can or can’t do it, and if not, what do you do about it. The consensus seems to be that you need local, on-the-ground presence to guarantee your connections in this important market.
“Several players seem to have taken the decision that the whole rigmarole is more trouble than it’s worth and decided to get themselves a Brazilian presence. That certainly solves the problem and there could be more to follow. Wyless is now a little more attractively positioned to be an acquisition target, possibly for an MNO that has pretensions at being a global M2M provider,” Hatton concluded.
