In a strategic move to solidify its presence in the European market, Bird, a notable name in conversational commerce, is moving forward with an all-cash acquisition of CM.com. This transaction aligns with Bird’s recent efforts to establish global hubs, aiming to further leverage its innovative technology in various regional markets. This acquisition, valued at €165.8 million, represents a significant expansion for Bird, particularly after its previous decision to exit the Netherlands and explore opportunities in diverse locations.
In earlier developments, CM.com expanded its range by acquiring GUTS Tickets, an Amsterdam-based blockchain ticketing firm, showcasing its ambition in integrating blockchain technology into its platform. The purchase of CM.com marks a pivotal moment for Bird to enhance its offerings by merging technology and expanding its customer base across Europe. Bird currently operates globally, with established hubs in the United States, Singapore, Dubai, Lithuania, Istanbul, and Thailand, reinforcing its strategic international growth.
What will the merger bring?
The merger between Bird and CM.com endeavors to create a robust AI-powered platform. This will help businesses engage more effectively with their customers at every touchpoint. Bird’s integration aims to offer enhanced solutions by streamlining customer data and AI-driven engagement. The expanded reach and technological integration are expected to facilitate cost efficiency, scale, and profitability for the merged entity.
Why does Bird view this integration as vital?
The integration is considered crucial for establishing a competitive foothold in the market. By combining their strengths, Bird and CM.com believe they can transform customer interactions into long-term business relationships. Bird emphasizes the importance of a unified platform in today’s digital landscape. As Robert Vis, CEO of Bird, pointed out:
“Bird believes that today’s modern businesses demand a unified platform that combines customer data, AI-powered engagement, and revenue generation in one seamless experience.”
This initiative aligns with Bird’s strategy to offer an end-to-end solution, aiming to drive measurable growth for its clients and challenge competitors effectively.
Bird plans to seek approval from the Dutch Authority for the Financial Markets, adhering to the statutory period for its Offer Memorandum submission. The acquisition’s official completion is subject to certain conditions, including regulatory nods and shareholder acceptance. Meanwhile, CM.com continues connecting people and businesses through telecommunications, messaging channels, and other digital services.
Founded by Jeroen van Glabbeek and Gilbert Gooijer, CM.com has consistently enhanced mobile engagement strategies with its varied digital offerings. The developed technology caters to a global audience, providing a wide range of interaction solutions through SMS, OTT messaging, and cloud platform services.
Bird aims to leverage CM.com’s extensive expertise in conversational commerce to further develop its enterprise capabilities. This deal is poised to enhance Bird’s role on the world stage with expanded product offerings and strengthened customer relationships. As emphasized by Robert Vis, CEO of Bird:
“By bringing together Bird’s AI-first data platform and CM.com’s expertise, we’re creating a complete platform for enterprise brands.”
This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Bird, as it looks to consolidate its resources and capabilities to better serve an ever-evolving digital market. For stakeholders and users alike, this merger could mean more personalized, efficient, and cutting-edge services on a larger scale.
