Thales completes acquisition of Gemalto to become a global leader in digital security, expanding Canadian footprint
Completed in 15 months, the acquisition of Gemalto by Thales for €4.8 (CAD $7.3) billion creates a Group on a new scale and a global leader in digital security employing 80,000 people. The larger Thales will master all the technologies underpinning the critical decision chain for companies, organisations and governments. Incorporating the talent and technologies of Gemalto, Thales will develop secure solutions to address the major challenges faced by our societies, such as unmanned air traffic management, data and network cybersecurity, airport security or financial transaction security.
This combination creates a world-class leader with an unrivalled portfolio of digital security solutions based on technologies such as digital identity, biometry, data protection, and, more broadly, cybersecurity. Thales will thus provide a seamless response to customers, including critical infrastructure providers such as banks, telecom operators, government agencies, utilities and other industries as they step up to the challenges of identifying people and objects and keeping data secure.
Research and development: inventing the world of tomorrow
Thales and Gemalto share a passion for the advanced technologies that serve as a common foundation and focus for their 80,000 employees. Research and development (R&D) is at the core of the new Group, with its 3,000 researchers and 28,000 engineers dedicated to R&D. Thales has been developing state-of-the-art technologies to meet the most demanding requirements of customers around the world for decades.
With €1 (CAD $1.5) billion a year devoted to self-funded R&D, including CAD $40 million in Canada, Thales will continue to innovate in its key markets, focusing on its world-class digital expertise in artificial intelligence, big data, cybersecurity and connectivity/IoT.
This acquisition is a prime example of Thales’ continued commitment to Canada by contributing to the development of a highly skilled workforce, the engagement of SMEs, and the development of innovative Canadian technologies and made-in-Canada advancements that are shaping the future of our global economy.
“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. 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.” Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO, Thales