3M acquires SPSL

3M has entered into a definitive agreement with the German company authentos to acquire Secure Printing and Systems Limited (SPSL), a UK-based producer of finished personalised passports and secure cards.

Although the terms of the deal have not been disclosed, the transaction is expected to close by the end of the July 2006, subject to customary closing conditions.

SPSL has provided passports to the UK government for more than 40 years. According to 3M: “SPSL’s position as a trusted source for security document expertise and biometric passports incorporating RFID technology complements 3M’s own expertise in RFID, security laminates for passports and secure document issuing systems.”

“The addition of SPSL to our line of products for secure documents such as passports, ID cards, driver’s licenses and visas, and secure document issuance systems will allow us to deliver a full range of border and civil security solution products,” says David Cook, director, Safety and Security Systems, 3M United Kingdom.

“The Identity and Passport Service is at the forefront of biometric and identity document technology and we remain committed to providing technical expertise and high quality service which will support all our customers’ strategic requirements,” says Frank Toner, CEO of SPSL. “In addition, we look forward to the possibilities of expanding our business through 3M’s global reach.”