Vodafone has acquired a Danish mobile startup called ZYB for 31.5 million euros ($48.7 million). ZYB operates a social networking and online management tool enabling mobile phone users to back-up service for their mobile contact and calendar info with social networking tools that allow their to share the info with friends. The purchaser of ZYB is Vodafone Europe BV, a holding company of Vodafone Group, based in The Netherlands.

The acquisition of ZYB is a further advance in the implementation of Vodafone’s Total Communications strategy which is delivering new revenue growth around fixed broadband, mobile advertising and a rich set of internet services that integrate the mobile and PC customer experience. ZYB fits into this strategy by enhancing the range of communications services Vodafone can provide to its customers.

ZYB is unique amongst social networking sites as it is designed with the mobile device at its heart, allowing customers to share information and messages between their friends and colleagues who are held in their mobile phone’s address book.

Tommy Ahlers, CEO of ZYB, added: “I am delighted that ZYB is to join Vodafone, the world’s largest international mobile community.

About Vodafone
Vodafone is the world’s leading international mobile communications group with over 252 million proportionate customers as of 31 December 2007. Vodafone currently has equity interests in 25 countries across five continents and a further 42 partner networks worldwide.