AUSTIN, Texas, September 30, 2019  ̶  HID Global®, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, today announced that it has acquired Placard, the largest manufacturer of secure cards in Australasia. The acquisition will enhance HID’s presence in the region. 

As a market-leader in government, financial, transportation, retail, and enterprise sectors across the Pacific market, Placard produces a range of cards, including driver’s licenses, health insurance cards and a variety of government IDs. The company also specializes in bank cards, retail loyalty cards, monetary gift cards, cards for public transportation and other cards used for enterprise applications.

“Placard’s large installed base of customers in the Australasia region demonstrates the continued strength of secure cards and their relevance in the lives of millions of people every day,” said Stefan Widing, President and CEO with HID Global. “Adding Placard to the HID portfolio would expand our value-add services and enhance our capabilities for trusted identities, while striking the balance between offering a broad range of card solutions and providing customers with the choice of digital IDs as the next wave of the future.” 

Placard supports the end-to-end experience of customers’ card programs by offering a comprehensive suite of services, including in-house design, printing, manufacture, personalization and distribution services.  Placard’s secure manufacturing and bureau facilities are accredited to the highest level by Visa, MasterCard, China Union Pay and American Express.

“Becoming part of HID Global will add innovative technology to Placard’s offerings, expanding our ability to serve customers in the Australasia region,” said Chris Nunis, CEO of Placard.  “HID’s global resources, expertise and exciting vision is complementary to our focus on providing high-quality cards and services for a wide array of use cases.  This next step with HID is a perfect fit in our evolution.”

Placard will become a part of HID’s Identification Technologies business area, which is led by Marc Bielmann, Vice President and Managing Director. 

Link to HID Source