HID acquires IdenTrust

AUSTIN, Texas—From its newly christened headquarters here, identity solution provider HID Global today announced it has acquired IdenTrust, a provider of digital identities. IdenTrust is expected to generate $14 million in sales in 2014. 

The deal is expected to be [initially] slightly dilutive to earnings per share, according to HID Global's parent company, ASSA ABLOY. 

Founded by financial institutions in 1999 and based in San Francisco, IdenTrust has 63 employees. Its digital identity solutions are “globally interoperable” and can “authenticate, encrypt and create electronic signatures.” Its customers include 20 of the largest banks, and identity management programs run by the General Services Administration and the Department of Defense. 

In a prepared statement, HID CEO Denis Hebert said IdenTrust's capabilities complement HID's portfolio, particularly capabilities from its ActivIdentity acquisition. IdenTrust brings HID “enhanced access to the banking, corporate and government identity markets.”

IdenTrust has offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, Washington, D.C., and London, England.

Earlier this week, HID launched its HID Advantage Partner Program, a channel program that has been in the works for 18 months, Carolyn Newburn, HID Global senior director of Global Channel Programs, told Security Systems News. 

Previously HID had disparate loyalty programs, but this new program provides one program with “clear criteria and benefits associated with it” for integrators, OEMs and distributors.

HID has launched a new partner portal that will allow integrators access to many facets of the program, which includes tiered partner discounts, market development funds, sales and marketing tools, and advanced information about product announcements, and in some cases, the ability to have input into product development.  

The program also includes enhanced training opportunities. Training and certification will be provided by HID Academy. “Training courses give integrators access to [special] product pricing as well as recognition that they are certified in particular technologies,” Newburn said. 

Also in January, HID Global officially moved into its new $35 million world headquarters and North American Operations Center here. The 250,000-square-foot facility houses manufacturing, office and warehouse space.