HID, a global leader in trusted identity solutions and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, has announced the acquisition of Calmell, a Spanish manufacturer of smart cards, magnetic stripe cards, and smart paper tickets. The deal strengthens HID’s position in the public transport sector and supports its broader ambition to expand its presence in mobility solutions.
ASSA ABLOY President and CEO Nico Delvaux welcomed the move: “I’m very pleased to welcome Calmell to ASSA ABLOY. The company brings a compelling technological addition that will enhance our current smartcard offering and open new growth opportunities.”
Calmell, founded in 1920 and headquartered in Barcelona, generated revenues of approximately €29 million in 2024 and has maintained a strong EBIT margin. The company employs around 100 people and will be integrated into HID’s Identification Technologies business area, specifically under the Events and Mobility Solutions business unit led by Cesare Paciello.
“Calmell is a fantastic addition to our growing mobility ecosystem,” said Björn Lidefelt, EVP and Head of HID. “Their expertise and product offering align closely with our mission to make the world more mobile by enabling seamless transit experiences.”
Marc Bielmann, SVP and Head of Identification Technologies at HID, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition: “Bringing Calmell into our smart ticketing portfolio increases our relevance in public transportation and enhances our ability to serve users across more regions globally.”
Calmell’s integration into HID will be supported by the latter’s global sales and operational infrastructure, providing Calmell with a broader platform to scale its offerings. Carles Marti Santiago, CEO of Calmell Group, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “We’re proud of our legacy in building innovative and reliable solutions for travelers. Joining HID gives us an exciting opportunity to expand our impact and apply HID’s digital credentialing expertise for the benefit of our partners.”
The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition underscores HID’s continued investment in next-generation mobility and identification solutions in Europe and beyond.
