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Chinese app distributor Cheetah Mobile files for $300 million IPO

Kingsoft subsidiary stepping up

Chinese app distributor Cheetah Mobile files for $300 million IPO

Another day. Another Chinese Android app distribution player finds strong traction in the market.

Today that move comes from Kingsoft-owned Cheetah Mobile, which has filed plans to IPO on the New York Stock Exchange.

As with Chinese companies like Qihoo 360 and UC Browser, Cheetah Mobile develops a bunch of utilities, ranging from the Cheetah mobile browser and Duba anti-virus app to battery optimiser and photo app. Its main product, though, is file utility app Clean Master.

Across all its apps, Cheetah claims 330 million active users, with Clean Master having 43 million daily users and the Cheetah Browser having 17.5 million active users.

And it's this scale which has provided the leverage to become a player in the Chinese app distribution market.

Fast running

Effectively, Cheetah Mobile uses its apps to promote other Android apps through its Duba.com home page, its recommendation engine, its various app stores and mobile ad network; exactly what Qihoo 360 does with its anti-virus software and UC Browser does with its browser.

The company also publishes games with over 400 mainly browser titles available.

In terms of the IPO, Cheetah Mobile is looking to raise $300 million, with Kingsoft (HKG: 3888) reported to be retaining a majority stake in the floated company.

During 2013, Cheetah's sales were $342 million, with net income being $10.2 million. It ended 2013 with $46.7 million cash.

[source: TechinAsia, SEC]


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Contributing Editor

A Pocket Gamer co-founder, Jon is Contributing Editor at PG.biz which means he acts like a slightly confused uncle who's forgotten where he's left his glasses. As well as letters and cameras, he likes imaginary numbers and legumes.