Stockport-headquartered Digital ID, which is owned by US-based AlphaCard Systems after it was acquired itself last year, completed the purchase of Oxford-based Essentra Security on 23 July.
A trading division of Essentra’s components division, Essentra Security specialises in the supply of ID card printers, consumables and accessories to clients including trade customers and end-users.
The deal boosts Digital ID’s headcount to just over 100, with Essentra Security’s 26 staff, including management, remaining in their current positions “for the foreseeable future” at their current base in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
Digital ID managing director Jonathan Fell said: “Essentra has an excellent reputation in the industry, an impressive team of staff and loyal client base.
“This acquisition enables the Digital ID group to evolve its growth strategy to enhance the organic growth we have achieved already this year and I very much look forward to working with the Essentra team.”
Essentra Security commercial director Simon Jones added: “With our specialist industry knowledge and technical expertise combined with strategic manufacturer relations, we represent a sound opportunity for Digital ID to expand their leading UK presence further.
“We can already see a benefit in joining our processes and systems to offer customers a simpler and easier ordering experience. Our trade customers can expect our promise of an enhanced ordering portal to come to fruition imminently.”
The Essentra Security branding will be phased out within the next six months and the company will sell commercially under the Digital ID brand.
While Essentra Security’s sales were not disclosed, Digital ID said that the combination of the acquisition and continued organic growth will see it grow to a £32m-turnover company in 2019.
Established in 1990, Digital ID supplies machinery and software for clients to print their own ID cards in-house, alongside providing printing and personalisation in its own print bureau.
It works directly with brands including the BBC, Nike, DHL, HMRC and Manchester United. In 2017 the business acquired Hove-based Smart Card Store.
