Three Companies Join the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG)

Three Companies Join the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG)

Irvine, CA, November 6, 2003–ASSA ABLOY AB has completed the acquisitions of Sokymat S.A., the Identification Technology Business of ACG (Advanced Component Group AG), and the majority position in OMNIKEY AG. All three acquisitions will become part of the ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG) with headquarters in Irvine, CA.

Sokymat, based in Granges, Switzerland, develops, manufactures, and markets transponders for access control cards, animal and food identification, industry logistics solutions, and other important applications for radio frequency identification (RFID).

ACG, based in Wiesbaden, Germany, is an independent distributor and technology provider in the market for RFID technology and smart cards. The ACG identification technology business covers all services along the value chain from procurement through to sales in the markets of smart cards and RFID technology.

OMNIKEY AG, also based in Wiesbaden, is a leading manufacturer of smart card readers used primarily for IT applications such as PC / network secure log-on and authentication. By concentrating on developing reading systems with international standards interfaces, the products can integrate globally and simply into every application. OMNIKEY represents a natural extension of ASSA ABLOY’s strength in reader technology through the addition of IT applications.

“These acquisitions strengthen ITG’s position in RFID solutions in the global market,’ said Joe Grillo, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY ITG. “These companies have considerable depth and strength in the supply chain of RFID and smart cards with access to important technology and supply agreements. These acquisitions ultimately supply ITG with additional high technology manufacturing and development strength, a strong distribution network, and synergies with existing companies within ITG, such as HID, Indala, Metget, and Interlock.”

About ASSA ABLOY Identification Technology Group (ITG)

ASSA ABLOY ITG is focused on current and emerging identification solutions within the radio frequency identification (RFID) and smart card markets. With headquarters in Irvine, CA, ITG employs approximately 770 people worldwide. In addition to a Research and Development Center, ITG consists of eight product companies including HID, Indala, CTS, Interlock, BUGA, Sokymat, Metget, and OMNIKEY. There are also five sales and distribution companies including AccessID, ACG Identification, ITG Europe, Middle East, and Africa, ITG Asia Pacific, and ITG Latin America.