What was supposed to be the start of a new era in mobile phone technology turned out to be just another business deal that ended up disappointing the customers. The subject in question here is Ryan Reynolds and it was his initiative with Mint Mobile that astounded the people into absolute awe. A wealthy celebrity businessman actually coming up with an idea that helps people instead of adding to their ever-growing list of problems, needs, and necessities was too good to be true. And, by the looks of it, we now know – it really was too good to be true.
Ryan Reynolds’ Business Deals are Getting Out of Hand
When Ryan Reynolds began promoting Mint Mobile, the effort that he put into the business was remarkable. One of the best creative adverts occupied our screens throughout the actor’s ownership of the company. And it looked like Mint was here to stay and Reynolds was here to help – the authentic Canadian that he is. But if that indeed was the case, then why the sudden change of mind? Not to mention, Mint Mobile was posed as a direct competition against T-Mobile, its current owner.
Mint’s business couldn’t have been floundering or going under given the staggering amount ($1.35 billion) that T-Mobile splashed on closing the Ka’ena Corporation acquisition deal. Ryan Reynolds spent 3 years curating Mint Mobile and making it one of the most consumer-friendly, approachable, and favored buys ever since he purchased an ownership stake in the direct-to-consumer wireless provider company in November 2019.
Now, as the business takes off, Reynolds deems it the right time to sell Mint to its direct competition – but there is a poetic undertone to all his deals. All the businesses that he has invested in were relatively unknown or unpopular products floundering in the shadows – he plucks them from the dust, heals and helps them soar, and then passes them along, out into the world.
Folks Unhappy With Ryan Reynolds Over Mint Mobile Sale
Among all his ventures, Reynolds has had a finger in every pie – tech (Mint Mobile), entertainment (Maximum Effort), sports (Wrexham), and the alcohol industry (Aviation Gin). Like an episode from Fixer Upper, Reynolds has adopted each of these projects and turned them over into a profitable establishment.
The CEO of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert, claimed in a statement:
“Mint has built an incredibly successful digital direct-to-consumer business that continues to deliver for customers on the Un-carrier’s leading 5G network and now we are excited to use our scale and owners’ economics to help supercharge it – and Ultra Mobile – into the future.
Over the long-term, we’ll also benefit from applying the marketing formula Mint has become famous for across more parts of T-Mobile. We think customers are really going to win with a more competitive and expansive Mint and Ultra.”
However, the folks are not happy, even though Sievert promises to retain the company’s $15 per month pricing.
I only want the best for Mint Mobile customers. Think I’ve found it. pic.twitter.com/nSNmGKLmN2
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) March 15, 2023
That sucks.
Thanks for throwing us back to the big carriers that we left.— Chris Bigelow (@ChrisBigelow15) March 15, 2023
— Lori Freshwater (@loufreshwater) March 15, 2023
So, that's a 'no' on bringing Mint Mobile to Canada? pic.twitter.com/dLYpJjrfWy
— Stephen R. Clark (@theMediaman) March 15, 2023
The sale while great for mint, goes against everything that Mint Mobile claimed to represent.
It shouldn't be surprising.
— William Bayne (@tempered_edge) March 15, 2023
Dude I came to Mint to stop being a T-Mobile customer. I never had problems with their network, but with the way they treat customers. Not looking forward to losing the protection of reseller laws and going back to having my service throttled for 10 days at the end of each month.
— Nerd Mellon (@TheNerdyMel) March 15, 2023
The talks of T-Mobile acquiring Ka’ena became public in January 2023. The deal valued at $1.35 billion will still observe a probationary period for Mint’s performance based on which the final purchase will be conducted. Ryan Reynolds will also retain his position at the online company in a creative role and ensure the company’s ease of transition into the new era.
Source: Twitter
