Amadeus Acquires Biometrics Specialist Idemia Public Security for €1.2 Billion
Travel technology giant Amadeus has announced the acquisition of France-based biometrics and identity technology provider Idemia Public Security (IPS) for €1.2 billion, following a competitive bid process. The deal, expected to close in mid-2027, builds on Amadeus' 2024 acquisition of biometric border control specialist Vision-Box for €320 million, and marks its second acquisition of 2026 following the purchase of AI-driven corporate travel booking startup SkyLink in February.
The move is designed to accelerate Amadeus' growth in airport and border technology, integrating biometric identity capabilities more deeply into its core travel platform to create a more seamless traveller journey from booking through to boarding. IPS brings approximately 3,300 employees and a customer base of more than 600 public and private sector organisations spanning travel and government applications. Amadeus president and CEO Luis Maroto described biometrics, alongside AI, as "one of the most transformative technologies for delivering fast, convenient and secure end-to-end traveler journeys."
Source: PhocusWire
