TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) to acquire RealNetworks

TransUnion (NYSE: TRU) announced a definitive agreement to acquire the mobile division of RealNetworks to enhance its voice and messaging fraud prevention capabilities. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

The acquisition will add artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies for real-time analysis of text messages, multimedia messages and phone calls. RealNetworks’ KONTXT messaging platform has blocked delivery of over eight billion spam and scam messages over eight years, according to the company.

“Mobile phone fraud exceeds $80 billion annually worldwide,” said Mohamed Abdelsadek, Chief Global Solutions Officer at TransUnion. The technology also detects synthetic and cloned voices during calls and helps carriers offer secure branded calls.