Thales Acquires Gemalto, Becomes Leader on Digital Identity and Security

In an announcement 15 months in the making, the acquisition of Gemalto by Thales for $5.4 billion has reportedly created a Group that will be a leader in digital identity and security. Employing 80,000 people, this larger Thales will reportedly address all the technologies underpinning the critical decision chain for companies, organizations and governments.

Incorporating Gemalto, Thales said it will develop secure solutions to address major challenges like unmanned air traffic management, data and network cybersecurity, airport security, and financial transaction security.

Research and development is at the stated core of the new Group, with a portfolio of 20,500 patents, of which more than 400 new ones were registered in 2018. With more than $1 billion a year devoted to self-funded R&D, the group plans to continue to work on new technologies in the Internet of Things, Big Data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

Gemalto will form one of Thales’s seven global divisions, to be named Digital Identity and Security (DIS). Gemalto will interact with civil and defense customers and will strengthen its industrial presence in 68 countries. Thales will expand its operations in Latin America, Northern Asia, Southeast Asia, India, and North America.

“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,” said Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO, Thales. “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.”