ASSA ABLOY AB is to acquire HID Corporation, which specialises in radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology for security applications leading to what the Swedish giant claims will be a new generation of intelligent locks.
"Electronic identification has so far been a missing link in ASSA ABLOY's product portfolio of mechanical and electromechanical locks," explained Carl-Henric Svanberg, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY. "HID's RFID technology leadership will help us fulfil our mission to develop the next generation of intelligent locks." HID has offices in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Hong Kong, Singapore, China and Mexico. Established five years ago, it acquired Sensor Engineering's Wiegand technology and European distributor ID Plus and now employs 350 people.

Headquartered in Southern California, HID also has a research facility in Colorado and its Wiegand manufacturing plant is in Connecticut. According to independent analysts, HID holds more than a 40% market share in RFID access control technology globally.

"The agreement is a genuine win-win for everyone involved, and HID is enthusiastic about the long-term prospects as part of ASSA ABLOY," said Donald Nelson, President of HID Corporation. "The new arrangement strategically positions both of us to lead our industries for years to come." Current sales for the ASSA ABLOY Group are in excess of US$2 billion. The company employs some 20,000 people in 30 countries and its product range includes mechanical locks, electronic locks, security doors, industrial locks (including automobile locks) and hotel locks.

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SMT