Transunion To Acquire Mobile Division Of Realnetworks

TransUnion has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the mobile division of RealNetworks to strengthen its communications and fraud‑prevention offerings.

Key facts

• TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) will acquire RealNetworks’ mobile division, which includes its voice and messaging security technologies such as AI‑ and machine‑learning–based analytics for texts, multimedia messages, and phone calls.

• The goal is to make mobile communications safer and more reliable by improving detection of spam, scams, and other fraudulent activity, and by supporting secure branded calls and messages for legitimate businesses.

• RealNetworks’ technology can identify fraudulent messages and calls, enable carriers to display verified brand information, and detect synthetic or cloned voices during live calls.

• Financial terms of the transaction have not been disclosed; TransUnion expects to fund the deal with existing cash on hand.

• The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, and is not expected to materially affect TransUnion’s 2026 leverage, liquidity, or operating results.

Strategic rationale

• For TransUnion, the RealNetworks mobile unit adds established relationships with global telecom operators, extending its Trusted Call Solutions and broader communications solutions portfolio.

• For RealNetworks, the deal moves its long‑developed KONTXT and related mobile fraud‑prevention technologies into a larger platform, with RealNetworks’ leadership highlighting that these tools have already blocked billions of spam and scam messages worldwide.