HID has signed an agreement to acquire the Calmell Group, a leading Spanish manufacturer of smart cards and ticketing solutions, as it looks to broaden its global footprint in public transportation and enhance its smart ticketing portfolio.
The move will see HID integrate Calmell’s offering of smart paper and magnetic tickets—two formats still widely used in transport networks around the world—into its existing suite of identity and mobility solutions. The acquisition is also set to deepen HID’s presence across Spain, the wider European Union, Northern Africa and Latin America.
“Calmell Group is a fantastic addition to our growing public transportation ecosystem, and we’re excited to welcome them to the HID family,” said Björn Lidefelt, EVP and Head of HID. “Their ticketing expertise supports our mission to make travel more accessible and seamless for everyone.”
Founded in 1920 as a graphic printing business, Calmell has evolved into a specialist provider of transport ticketing technologies, serving operators across multiple continents. Today, the family-run firm is known for its production of smart cards, magnetic tickets, and durable smart paper solutions.
Marc Bielmann, SVP and Head of Identification Technologies at HID, commented: “This acquisition significantly enhances our offering for public transit customers and operators alike. With Calmell on board, we’re better positioned to support mobility projects in more regions, with a wider variety of technologies.”
Calmell will join HID’s Identification Technologies division under the Events and Mobility Solutions business unit, led by Cesare Paciello. The Barcelona-based company will continue to operate from its current headquarters while gaining access to HID’s global resources, including sales and support infrastructure.
Commenting on the agreement, Carles Marti Santiago, CEO of Calmell Group, said: “We’re proud of our legacy in helping people travel on their terms. Joining HID gives us the scale and innovation capabilities to continue that mission, particularly through the adoption of digital credentials and future-ready ticketing models.”