In a landmark move, IDEMIA Group has announced its entry into exclusive negotiations with IN Groupe for the acquisition of IDEMIA Smart Identity. This strategic development is poised to reshape the digital identity landscape, as both companies are regarded as leaders in the field of identity management.
In exclusive comments to ID & Secure Document News™, Antoine Grenier, CEO of IDEMIA Smart Identity, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, ‘in my view, the timing for this project could not have been better. The market is ready for consolidation. Together with IN Groupe, we would have a firstmover advantage’.
The partnership, if realised, would combine the strengths of IDEMIA Smart Identity’s portfolio in physical and digital identity solutions with IN Groupe’s expertise in secure identity management. This union would offer clients increased value and innovation in civil ID and digital identity solutions.
Grenier emphasised, ‘if this project comes to fruition, our customers would profit from an unprecedented combination of complementary skill sets and solutions’.
IDEMIA Smart Identity is one of three divisions established by IDEMIA Group earlier this year, following the company’s February 2024 announcement of its restructuring into IDEMIA Secure Transactions, IDEMIA Public Security, and IDEMIA Smart Identity. Each division focuses on its specialised area of secure identity management, with IDEMIA Smart Identity concentrating on physical and digital identity solutions.
IDEMIA Smart Identity’s global presence spans 79 countries, with two major production facilities in Europe. Its track record of collaboration with governments globally has made it a trusted partner in delivering end-to-end solutions, integrating physical and digital IDs into existing identity schemes.
Grenier also highlighted the division’s proven expertise in digital ID, noting that ‘especially on the digital ID side, IDEMIA Smart Identity has a proven track record and active references on all continents from which IN Groupe would benefit. Joining forces would really mean that we can proudly say to have internalised the complete supply and value chain for identity management’.
Two key factors driving IDEMIA Smart Identity’s success are its strong relationships with clients and its highly skilled workforce. The division’s focus on innovation and collaboration has been integral to its growth and development in the identity solutions market. ‘Together with our clients, we drive innovations that ultimately benefit the whole market,’ Grenier added.
While the acquisition negotiations progress, Grenier stressed the importance of continuity. ‘My personal focus at the moment is on our clients and employees. Together with my leadership team, we will ensure that the impact on our operations is as limited as possible’.
For IN Groupe, the potential acquisition of IDEMIA Smart Identity would mark another significant step in its strategy of acquiring companies with a strong footprint in secure identity and personal data protection solutions. Since 2015, IN Groupe has executed several key acquisitions, each contributing to its growing presence in identity management. These acquisitions have enabled IN Groupe to expand its expertise and capabilities, making it one of the most prominent players in the field today.
With this latest acquisition, IN Groupe would further cement its leadership position, capitalising on IDEMIA Smart Identity’s global reputation, expertise, and footprint.
Should the acquisition come to fruition, the combined strengths of IDEMIA Smart Identity and IN Groupe would be positioned to offer a comprehensive range of solutions, encompassing the entire identity management value chain.
‘The market is evolving, and our collaboration with IN Groupe would give us a distinct advantage in this space,’ Grenier explained. ‘With our complementary skill sets and solutions, we would be able to better serve our clients and anticipate future demands in the digital identity sector.’ As the sector continues to shift, the combined strengths of the two entities could reshape the competitive landscape, offering clients access to an integrated suite of solutions that spans both physical and digital identities.
The deal between IN Groupe and IDEMIA Smart Identity is expected to close in 2025, pending the usual regulatory approvals and consultations with employee representative bodies.
