RealNetworks, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNWK) is known for its digital media software that revolves around music. RealNetworks’ develops popular music software, Rhapsody. RealNetworks’ market capitalization as of right now is about $1 billion and they’re planning to acquire a small gaming company called GameTrust for under $50 million. GameTrust develops flash games that revolve around contests and multiplayer abilities.
GameTrust was founded in 2002 by Adeo Ressi. Adeo sold a company he started in 1994 called Total New York Inc. to AOL. AOL rolled Total New York into AOL Digital Cities. Adeo also started methodfive, inc., brought in $2 million from Pricewaterhouse Coopers and then sold the company to Xceed for $88 million.
Some of RealNetworks’ previous acquisitions inlcude Zylom Media Group B.V., WiderThan Co., Ltd. and Atravia Latin America Ltda. in 2006. And RealNetworks acquired Sony NetServices in 2007. Sony NetServices was a joint venture between Sony DADC and Sony Europe.
[Information Source: Paidcontent]