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GoAmerica (Nasdaq: GOAM) a Hackensack-based wireless Internet services provider, today said it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Wynd Communications, a provider of wireless telecommunications services for people who are deaf, or hard of hearing.

Under the terms of the transaction, which is expected to close shortly, GoAmerica will issue to Wynd”s shareholders 3,974,552 restricted shares of common stock (equal to 7% of its common stock on a fully-diluted post-deal basis). GoAmerica”s shares closed at $10.25 yesterday.

On completion of the acquisition, California”s Wyand will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of GoAmerica. Dan Luis, CEO of Wynd, will join GoAmerica.

GoAmerica intends to incorporate Wynd”s wireless instant messaging technology into Go.Web. Instant messaging will enhance the user”s experience and will provide both businesses and consumers with the ability to communicate interactively on virtually any wireless device anytime, the company said.

Commenting on the acquisition, closing of which is subject to approval by Wyand”s shareholders, Aaron Dobrinsky, chief executive officer of GoAmerica, stated: “There are three key reasons for GoAmerica to make this acquisition: innovative technology that will expand our total capabilities; strong customer franchises that are expected to grow extremely rapidly and a strong management team that will help to build our company.”

Wynd has a rapidly growing customer base of more than 4,500 subscribers. Subscriber revenues for 1999 were $1.4 million with a gross margin of 52%. Overall 1999 revenues were $2.1 million with a gross margin of 33% and a net loss of $1.8 million.

GoAmerica enables its individual and business subscribers to access remotely the Internet, email and corporate intranets in real time by delivering its proprietary technology through a wide variety of mobile computing and wireless network devices. Through its Wireless Internet Connectivity Center, GoAmerica offers its subscribers flexible mobile data solutions for wireless Internet access by providing wireless network services, mobile devices, and subscriber service support.

HOOVER”S ONLINE: GoAmerica