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Thales, Gemalto to unite digital security expertise in merger

December 19, 2017

Security technology providers Thales and Gemalto have reached a merger agreement based on an cash offer by Thales for all issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Gemalto at a price of 51 euros ($60.16) per share.

"Together with Gemalto's management, we have big ambitions based on a shared vision of the digital transformation of our industries and customers," Thales CEO Patrice Caine said in a press release. "Our project will be beneficial to innovation and employment, whilst respecting sovereign strategic technologies. … By combining our talents, Thales and Gemalto are creating a global leader in digital security."

"I am convinced that the combination with Thales is the best and the most promising option for Gemalto and the most positive outcome for our company, employees, clients, shareholders and other stakeholders," Gemalto CEO Philippe said. "We share the same values and Gemalto will be able to pursue its strategy, accelerate its development and deliver its digital security vision, as part of Thales."

Thales will combine its digital businesses into Gemalto, which will continue to operate under its own brand as one of seven Thales global business units.

The combined companies will boast more than 28,000 engineers and 3,000 researchers; Thales does not anticipate any reduction in Gemalto's workforce as a consequence of this transaction.