Airborne Entertainment Named by Deloitte as the Fourth Fastest Growing Tech Company in North America (Airborne Entertainment) | MMA Global

Airborne Entertainment Named by Deloitte as the Fourth Fastest Growing Tech Company in North America (Airborne Entertainment)

November 1, 2006



Airborne Entertainment Named by Deloitte as the Fourth Fastest Growing Tech Company in North America

Deloitte & Touche Recognizes Mobile Entertainment Leader In Prestigious Annual Technology Fast 500 Program

Montreal, Canada, October 19, 2006 – Airborne Entertainment, a subsidiary of CYBIRD Co., Ltd. announced today that it has been selected as the fourth fastest growing technology company in North America, according to Deloitte’s 2006 Technology Fast 500, a ranking of the 500 fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America.  Rankings are based on percentage revenue growth over five years, from 2001–2005. Airborne grew 33,322% during this period.

Founded in 2000 by Internet executive Garner Bornstein and show business veteran Andy Nulman, Airborne Entertainment is considered a pioneer in mobile media.  Airborne works, and has worked, with such top-tier brands as Maxim Magazine, Family Guy, marykateandashley, the National Hockey League (NHL), Speed TV, HBO, the Walt Disney Company and Fox Filmed Entertainment. The company has also realized consistent quarter-over-quarter revenue growth since its inception.

Garner Bornstein, CEO of Airborne credits the company’s success to its “initial vision that consumers would perceive the cellphone as an increasingly vital personal device, and learn to expand the uses of it beyond simple conversation.”

“Six years ago, people doubted that this industry would even exist,” said Airborne CEO Garner Bornstein.  “The fact that it does, and that we have grown so fast within it, is a testament to our team who believed in our vision and carried it through even in the bleakest times.  We developed the technology, built relationships with the carriers and immersed ourselves in every brand we worked with.  It is this continued commitment from the team here at Airborne that has put us where we are today.  Of all the honors we have been given so far, this is by the most gratifying.”

Overall, companies that ranked on the 2006 Technology Fast 500 had an average growth rate of 2,145 percent.

"Sustaining high revenue growth over five years is an exceptional accomplishment. We commend Airborne Entertainment for making the commitment to technology,” said Pierre Brodeur, Partner Deloitte & Touche LLP.  “We are proud to honour Airborne Entertainment’s ranking on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 list."

Fast 500 Selection and Qualifying Criteria
The Fast 500 ranks the fastest growing technology, media, telecommunications and life sciences companies in North America.  It is compiled from Deloitte’s 16 regional North American Fast 50 programs, nominations submitted directly to the Fast 500, and public company database research. Companies are selected based on percentage revenue growth from 2001 to 2005. 

Entrants must own proprietary intellectual property or proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues or devote a significant proportion of revenues to research and development of technology. Using other companies' technology or intellectual property in a unique way does not qualify.  Base-year operating revenues must be at least $50,000 USD or $75,000 CD, and current-year operating revenues must be at least $5 million USD or CD.  Companies must be in business a minimum of five years, and they must be headquartered within North America.

Airborne Entertainment Inc.
a subsidiary of CYBIRD Co., Ltd., is a leading provider and publisher of premier mobile entertainment content and applications, including games, images, video, ringtones, ringbacktones and informational content. Airborne's product portfolio consists of original and branded properties including, Family Guy™, Maxim ToGo™, marykateandashley™, SPEED TV Mobile™, NHL Mobile™ and Donald Trump's Real Estate Tycoon™ Airborne's products are available across wireless carriers in North America and Europe and the company provides retailers and branded destinations the ability to reach mobile consumers directly via premium and promotional channels. For more information, visit www.airborne-e.com.

About Deloitte
Deloitte, one of Canada's leading professional services firms, provides audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through more than 6,200 people in 50 offices. Deloitte operates in Québec as Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche s.e.n.c.r.l. The firm is dedicated to helping its clients and its people excel. Deloitte is the Canadian member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, a Swiss Verein, its member firms, and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates. As a Swiss Verein (association), neither Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu nor any of its member firms has any liability for each other's acts or omissions. Each of the member firms is a separate and independent legal entity operating under the names "Deloitte," "Deloitte & Touche," "Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu," or other related names. Services are provided by the member firms or their subsidiaries or affiliates and not by the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Verein.

PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Melissa Romley
Bender/Helper Impact for Airborne Entertainment
Office: 310-473-4147
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