Thales has completed the acquisition for €4.8 billion in a move to they envisage will see the creation a global leader in digital identity and security.
Utilising the technology and skill set of Gemalto, Thales will seek to develop secure solutions to address major challenges in defence and security, such as unmanned air traffic management, data and network cyber security, airport security or financial transaction security.
This acquisition will open up a significant portfolio of digital identity and security solutions based on technologies such as biometry, data protection, and, more broadly, cyber security.
Thales say the move will allow them to deliver a seamless response to customers, including critical infrastructure providers such as banks, telecom operators, government agencies, utilities and other industries as they step up to the challenges of identifying people and objects and keeping data secure.
Following this acquisition, Gemalto will form one of Thales’s seven global divisions, to be named Digital Identity and Security (DIS). Gemalto will interact with all of the Group’s civil and defence customers and will significantly strengthen its industrial presence in 68 countries. Thales will considerably expand its operations in Latin America (2,500 employees, up from 600), triple its presence in Northern Asia (1,980, from 700), Southeast Asia (2,500, from 800) and India (1,150, from 400) and North America (6,660 employees, up from 4,600).
Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO, Thales, said: “With Gemalto, a global leader in digital identification and data protection, Thales has acquired a set of highly complementary technologies and competencies with applications in all of our five vertical markets, which are now redefined as aerospace; space; ground transportation; digital identity and security; and defence and security. These are the smart technologies that help people make the best choices at every decisive moment.
“The acquisition is a turning point for the Group’s 80,000 employees. Together, we are creating a giant in digital identity and security with the capabilities to compete in the big leagues worldwide.”
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