Strengthening of smart ticketing offer for public transportation in the UK
Paragon ID (Euronext Paris – FR0011980077), leader in identification solutions in the e-ID, transport & smart cities and traceability & brand protection sectors have announced the acquisition of Burall InfoSmart.
Located near Cambridge in England, Burall InfoSmart is one of the pioneers in the production and personalisation of smart cards and magnetic tickets. The company is a well-known and respected supplier to diverse markets including public transport, higher education, utilities and local authorities.
As one of the few companies to be certified ITSO (Integrated Transport Smartcard Organisation), the UK standard for smart ticketing, Burall InfoSmart specialises particularly in the transportation sector and plans to grow significantly to reach €4 m turnover in the next two years.
Already well established in the UK, Paragon ID is responsible for the supply of almost 1 billion magnetic stripe tickets for the train operating companies (TOCs) in the country and also supplies Oyster Cards to Transport for London.
A true leader in identification solutions
This strategic acquisition will enhance Paragon ID’s offer to the transportation and access control markets. The Group will continue to support its clients as they move from traditional tickets to smarter solutions such as RFID tickets, smart cards or contactless ticketing via mobile phone, also known as HCE ticketing.
This acquisition also reinforces the global industrial footprint of the Group, already established in France and Romania, for the production and personalisation of tickets and cards. It is in line with the company’s strategy to grow and to confirm its position as a true leader in identification solutions.
Arron Duddin, the current MD of Burall InfoSmart, will now take over as Smart Solutions Director for Paragon ID in the UK.
Paul Mc Enaney, General Manager for Paragon ID UK says:
“ The many synergies between both companies and our combined skills and expertise will allow for a much greater offering of RFID and smart ticketing; not just to the transportation sector but many other areas such as education, local authorities and public utilities providers. ”
Julien Zuccarelli, Managing Director for Paragon ID, adds:
“The acquisition of Burall InfoSmart is in line with Paragon ID’s growth strategy. The UK market is key to the Group and brings many opportunities in particular for NFC applications in a wide range of sectors including retail and brand protection.”