Home Database TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom)SMS Italia

01/2018100%

SMS Italia acquired by Link Mobility

ITALY Telecom / Operators EV €0–15M

Context

The acquisition of SMS.it represents a pivotal strategic move for LINK Mobility, aimed at securing a dominant market position within the Italian mobile messaging sector. By integrating SMS.it, which operates an independent mobile network and maintains key interworking agreements with Italian operators, LINK Mobility gains immediate access to significant messaging volume and an established customer base. This acquisition is part of the Group’s broader strategy to expand its European footprint through the consolidation of leading regional players, thereby enhancing its ability to provide scalable, cross-border mobile communication services. The strategic rationale is driven by the demand for digital convergence and the necessity for robust, high-uptime messaging infrastructure to support enterprise-to-consumer communication.

SMS Italia, which reported an EBITDA margin of [members only] in 2017, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of 5x–12x, to compare with the average currently observed in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector (14.6x in 2026).

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Target

SMS.it is a prominent mobile messaging provider that serves as a critical bridge between businesses and consumers on a global scale. The company operates as a mobile operator, maintaining its own independent mobile network infrastructure, fixed network capabilities, and SS7 interconnection agreements. This technical foundation allows the company to provide high-reliability communication services, ensuring seamless interworking with major mobile operators and primary mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs). The value proposition centers on delivering secure, scalable, and high-quality mobile internet and messaging services that address the critical communication needs of enterprise clients. By combining robust network infrastructure with deep technical expertise in mobile signaling, the company empowers organizations to engage effectively with their end-users.

Ent. Value

€0–15M

Equity Value

[members only]

Multiples

EV / Revenue

below 1.5x

EV / EBITDA

5x–12x

EV / EBIT

[members only]

Historical Financials (EUR)

Year

Rev

EBITDA

EBIT

2017

2016

Other operations with Link Mobility
Date	Acquirer	Target	Country	Sector
06/2021	LINK MOBILITY	MESSAGE BROADCAST	UNITED STATES	MarTech
10/2018	ABRY PARTNERS	LINK MOBILITY	NORWAY	MarTech
02/2018	LINK MOBILITY	TERACOMM	BULGARIA	MarTech
01/2018	LINK MOBILITY	TOTALCONNECT	ITALY	MarTech
01/2018	LINK MOBILITY	HORISEN MESSAGING	SWITZERLAND	MarTech

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REFERENCES

Valuation range: EV €0–15M

Revenue range: €5–25M

EBITDA range: €0–5M

EV/Revenue range: below 1.5x

EV/EBITDA range: 5x - 12x

Note: This page provides detailed data on a private equity M&A transaction. Detailed and exact financial metrics for the acquisition of SMS Italia by Link Mobility are reserved for mynth community members. Register for free to unlock full data.

Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.

Acquirer: link mobility

FAQ

What transaction does this page cover?

This page covers Link Mobility’s acquisition of 100% of SMS Italia, an Italian company specialised in Operators, in 2018.

How was the acquisition of SMS Italia by Link Mobility valued, and what multiples were paid?

mynth displays the transaction’s enterprise value within the €0–15M band, its EV/EBITDA multiple within the 5x - 12x range, and its EV/revenue multiple within the below 1.5x range. Exact figures are available to members.

What were SMS Italia’s revenue and EBITDA at the time of the deal?

At the time of the transaction, SMS Italia generated annual revenue estimated in the €5–25M range and EBITDA in the €0–5M bracket (FY 2017). Detailed financial figures are available to members.

How does the valuation of SMS Italia compare to benchmarks in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector?

With an estimated valuation multiple in the range of 5x - 12x in 2018, the transaction reflects historical valuation standards. By way of comparison, in 2026 companies in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector are valued at a multiple of 14.6x EBITDA.

What sources support the information on this transaction?

Information on this transaction is supported by a private document shared by the community and verified by the mynth team to ensure the accuracy of the shared information.

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