BlackBerry has acquired virtual SIM startup Movirtu

BlackBerry Ltd. BB.T Thursday said it agreed to acquire Movirtu Ltd., a U.K. startup whose software enables companies to avoid paying costs incurred by employees using their devices for personal use. Terms weren’t disclosed. The transaction underscores BlackBerry’s focus on finding new sources of revenue to revive growth after suffering through years of contraction. At the end of July, the company acquired Germany’s Secusmart GmbH for an undisclosed amount to bolster its security offerings for its target enterprise and government market. A few days later, Chief Executive John Chen told the Canadian company’s employees that it was embarking on a growth phase after three years of painful restructuring, in part by targeting strategic acquisitions. Movirtu wouldn’t disclose revenue figures or how many customers it has, except to say it has several. But BlackBerry, which has business relationships with more than 675 carriers globally, is betting it can take advantage of that installed base to quickly boost the London-based company’s sales. Movirtu’s technology allows smartphone users to have a separate personal and work phone number attached to one device. Its product makes it easier for employers to be billed for work-related calls, messaging and data traffic while not assuming costs related to personal use of the device by the employee.