Amadeus has announced its intention to acquire Idemia Public Security (IPS) for €1.2bn (US$1.3bn), in a move aimed at expanding its biometric and identity capabilities across the travel sector.
The proposed acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in mid-2027, follows Amadeus’s 2024 purchase of Vision-Box and is intended to strengthen its position in airport and border technology.
IPS, headquartered in France, provides biometric and identity services to more than 600 public- and private-sector customers, and employs around 3,300 people globally. Its portfolio includes biometric identification, access control and secure identity solutions used in government and regulated environments.
Amadeus said integrating IPS technology with its existing systems for airlines, airports, hotels and border control would support more automated and connected passenger journeys. The company aims to expand biometric identity as a core component of travel processes, enabling faster passenger processing and improved security.
Luis Maroto, president and CEO of Amadeus, said, “This further demonstrates our long-term commitment to biometrics as part of our broader platform strategy. Alongside AI, biometrics is one of the most transformative technologies for delivering fast, convenient and secure end-to-end traveler journeys.”
He added that the acquisition would allow Amadeus to extend its services across more traveler touchpoints, reducing friction and improving the overall passenger experience.
Decius Valmorbida, president of travel at Amadeus, said the combination of physical and digital identity would play a key role in future travel systems. “By combining Amadeus and IPS capabilities we will be able to create more joined-up travel journeys in the future, better connecting the travel ecosystem and linking the traveler to the different steps of the journey,” he stated.
The deal is expected to accelerate Amadeus’s growth in airport and border segments, where demand for biometric solutions is increasing. The company said the addition of IPS would broaden its reach across the travel journey, from booking through to airport processing and boarding.
Amadeus also noted that the acquisition would support further digitalization of travel processes by enabling more secure data exchange between stakeholders.
An earn-out structure has been agreed as part of the deal, which could increase the total consideration to €1.35bn (US$1.45bn) depending on performance targets.
In related news, Idemia forms biometric, digital ID partnerships
