GEMALTO acquired by THALES
Context
Thales successfully executed the acquisition of Gemalto, a premier specialist in digital identity and security. This strategic combination, finalized over a rapid fifteen-month period, culminates in the creation of an entity with a formidable global workforce of approximately 80,000 employees. The structural mechanics of the deal established a robust foundation for the acquiring entity to fully integrate expansive operations and specialized cybersecurity frameworks into its broader organizational matrix. The strategic rationale underpinning this acquisition is deeply rooted in the ambition to forge an absolute global leader in digital identity and security. By absorbing an unparalleled portfolio of biometrics and data protection capabilities, the organization significantly augments its technological arsenal. This synergy directly addresses the escalating global demand for secure solutions across vital infrastructure sectors, enabling comprehensive mastery over critical decision chains in domains ranging from drone traffic management to highly sensitive financial transactions. Furthermore, the integration bolsters the combined entity's innovation engine, supported by a substantial research and development allocation of one billion euros, thereby accelerating advancements in artificial intelligence, big data, and connected devices.
As a reminder, Gemalto had previously acquired Safenet in 2014 as part of its expansion strategy.
GEMALTO, which reported an EBITDA margin of in 2018, is valued in this transaction at an EV/EBITDA multiple of , representing a to the average currently observed in the TMT (Tech, Media, Telecom) sector (13.7x).
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Target
Gemalto is a global leader in digital security, providing solutions that enable secure, connected experiences for users worldwide. The company operates at the "edge" of the network, specializing in embedded software, portable secure elements, and identity management technologies found in consumer devices, banking cards, and network-connected terminals. Its value proposition is built upon ensuring privacy, security, and trust for the end-user, facilitating the transition to a digital-first economy where mobile and connected devices are the primary interfaces for commercial and governmental interactions. The company’s expertise lies in developing highly reliable security hardware and software that can withstand sophisticated threats while maintaining a seamless user experience. With a comprehensive suite of authentication and identity management tools, Gemalto serves the banking, telecommunications, and enterprise sectors, focusing on protecting user identities and facilitating secure transactions on a global scale.
Ent. Value
Equity Value
Multiples
EV / Revenue
EV / EBITDA
EV / EBIT
Historical Financials (EUR)
Other operations with GEMALTO
| Date | Acquirer | Target | Country | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08/2014 | GEMALTO | SAFENET | UNITED STATES | Cybersecurity Services |
REFERENCES
Valuation range: EV 3b - 100b EUR
Revenue range: 1b - 3b EUR
EBITDA range: 250M - 500M EUR
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Authors: This transaction was contributed by a verified mynth contributor and cross-checked against available transaction documents and official company communications.
Press release: view release
Acquirer: thales