Former Motribe boss’ new venture acquired by Imperial Holdings

In a move to get more in Africa’s exploding mobile and telecommunications space, listed entity Imperial Holdings has acquired a controlling stake in new mobile technology firm ForeFront Africa (FFA) for an undisclosed sum.

The company, started by former Motribe boss, Nic Haralambous, and business partner Tracy Langdon-Surkont, is a mobile strategy firm that works closely with MNOs, business and brands to create mobile strategy, products and training.

Imperial Holdings offers logistics, tourism, car rental and financial services with an established footprint in the African market.

According to the terms of the deal, Forefront Africa will form part of Imperial’s Resolve brand and become Resolve Mobile, which will be run by Haralambous and Surkont.

“This will allow the companies to work together seamlessly and provide the best possible digital and mobile strategies to the group, as well as clients and partners,” says the duo.

This acquisition will allow the business to look at more aggressive growth says Haralambous: “we’re going to be aggressively growing our business throughout the continent in the coming three to five years. We are planning on growing a long-term, game-changing and sustainable company with Imperial.”

For Imperial, it seems the opportunity to play in Africa’s most potent industry is an exciting prospect for the logistics and mobility company.

“Imperial is excited to enter into the strategically critical mobile technology arena alongside a team with such notable skill and extensive African experience,” says Cobus Rossouw, Chief Integration Officer. “We are now well placed to partner our clients in leveraging the potential of mobile commerce in their value chains.”

Resolve Mobile’s clients include WASPs, mobile network operators as well as social networks from around the world.

Surkont says that FFA has experience and a grasp of the market that few others have, “We understand that the market is complicated, each country in Africa needs unique attention and each company brings with it a different offering and unique requirements.”

“Ultimately this is a fantastic partnership for us that brings resources, a continent-wide footprint and serious business clout. Imperial is going to help us grow our business in the mobile space on the continent rapidly,” says Haralambous.