IN Groupe, the parent company of Nexus, and Idemia Group have entered exclusive negotiations for IN Groupe to acquire Idemia’s Smart Identity division, one of Idemia Group’s three main units.
This acquisition would significantly boost IN Groupe’s size, geographical reach, and technological capabilities, further strengthening its position in both physical and digital identity markets worldwide.
“We are excited about joining forces with Idemia Smart Identity to create a new global leader in advanced and secure identity solutions. This is a transformative step for IN Groupe, fully aligned with our strategy to strengthen our presence in the global identity space and better serve our clients. Idemia Smart Identity’s teams, technologies, and solutions are an ideal fit for us, and I believe this merger will benefit our customers significantly. It will also positively impact the global market by establishing a player with unmatched scale and ability to operate internationally, adhering to European values around privacy and security, which are crucial for society’s future. We would be thrilled to welcome Idemia Smart Identity’s talented teams to IN Groupe and embark on this exciting journey together,” said Agnès Diallo, CEO of IN Groupe.
Complementary Strengths
The newly merged group, with combined sales exceeding €1 billion, would gain critical mass and expand its global footprint in the identity industry. IN Groupe, which already generates 60% of its sales internationally, would further enhance its presence in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and Asia, thanks to Idemia Smart Identity’s established positions in these regions.
This deal would also grant IN Groupe integrated access to key areas of the physical and digital identity market, including chip design and advanced software, which are crucial for delivering secure identity solutions.
At a time when governments and private organizations face growing internal and cybersecurity challenges, the combination of IN Groupe and Idemia Smart Identity would create a trusted partner offering solutions based on Europe’s security and data protection models.
A Major Opportunity for IN Groupe
This acquisition aligns with IN Groupe’s growth strategy, which has seen the company complete several successful acquisitions over the past decade.
The deal addresses three main challenges in the identity market:
1. The growing demand for secure identity solutions from governments and private organizations that protect privacy and national sovereignty.
2. The increasing trend toward digital identity solutions to enable access to modern services.
3. The rise of European standards that support the development of a secure digital identity ecosystem.
Pierre Barrial, CEO of Idemia Group, noted, “Idemia Group is on a strong growth trajectory, and this sale of the Smart Identity division is a key step in creating a market leader in secure identity solutions. With €2.5 billion in revenue, 12,500 employees, and 4,000 customers across our Secure Transactions and Public Security divisions, Idemia is poised to accelerate its growth, focusing on biometrics, cryptography, and mission-critical solutions.”
Antoine Grenier, CEO of Idemia Smart Identity, added, “We are thrilled at the prospect of joining IN Groupe, a globally recognized leader. This acquisition would accelerate our growth and open up new national and international opportunities. I am proud that Idemia Smart Identity, a pioneer in physical and digital identity, will contribute to IN Groupe’s continued success.”
IN Groupe’s sole shareholder, the French state, supports this acquisition, which would expand the company’s activities and global reach.
Closing Conditions and Timeline
The transaction, subject to consultations with employee representatives and regulatory approvals, is expected to be completed by 2025.
Financial advisors for Idemia Group are Goldman Sachs and Rothschild & Co, with Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP as legal advisor. IN Groupe’s financial advisor is Lazard Frères, and Bredin Prat serves as its legal advisor.
