3M to Acquire Security Printing and Systems Limited -- Acquisition Broadens 3M's Secure Document and Issuance Platform

SPSL has provided passports to the U.K. Government for more thanfour decades. SPSL's position as a trusted source for securitydocument expertise and biometric passports incorporating RFIDtechnology complements 3M's own expertise in RFID, security laminatesfor passports and secure document issuing systems.

"The addition of SPSL to our line of products for secure documentssuch as passports, ID cards, driver's licenses and visas, and securedocument issuance systems will allow us to deliver a full range ofborder and civil security solution products," said David Cook,director, Safety and Security Systems, 3M United Kingdom.

Supported by SPSL the Identity and Passport Service in the U.K. iscurrently in the process of transitioning from digital passports tobiometric passports with personal data integrated in an RFID chip,which provides significant additional protection against fraud andforgery.

"3M's global presence, technical innovation and strong customerfocus in the secure document marketplace will expand SPSL's globalreach," said Mike Delkoski, division vice president, 3M SecuritySystems Division.

"The Identity and Passport Service is at the forefront ofbiometric and identity document technology and we remain committed toproviding technical expertise and high quality service which willsupport all our customers' strategic requirements," said Frank Toner,CEO of SPSL. "In addition, we look forward to the possibilities ofexpanding our business through 3M's global reach."

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the month,subject to customary closing conditions.

About authentos GmbH

authentos GmbH, is the holding company of SPSL and BundesdruckereiGmbH, the German manufacturer of electronic passports, securitydocuments and bank notes.

authentos GmbH, Oranienstrasse 91, 10958 Berlin, Germany
Tel.: + 49 - 30 - 25 92 98 - 44
www.authentos-group.com

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