Proposed Thales / Gemalto merger

Issued 10 August 2018
Release No. 21

Statement of preliminary issues released for proposed Thales / Gemalto merger

The Commerce Commission has published a statement of preliminary issues relating to the application from Thales S.A. (Thales) seeking clearance to acquire Gemalto N.V. (Gemalto).

Thales, via its e-Security division, supplies data encryption hardware and software, which is designed to protect and secure electronic data. In New Zealand, Thales’ encryption products are typically supplied via resellers under the brand names nShield, payShield and Vormetric.

Gemalto also supplies data encryption hardware and software. In New Zealand, Gemalto supplies its products through resellers under the brand name SafeNet.

The statement outlines the key competition issues that the Commission considers important in deciding whether or not to grant clearance to the proposed acquisition. A copy can be found on the Commission’scase register.

The Commission invites interested parties to provide comments on the likely competitive effects of the proposed acquisition. Submissions can be sent by email to registrar@comcom.govt.nz with the reference “Thales/Gemalto” in the subject line. Any submissions should be received by close of business onWednesday 22 August 2018.

The Commission is currently scheduled to make a decision on the application by 26 September 2018. However, this date may be extended as the investigation progresses, and in particular, if we need to test and consider the issues identified further

Background
We will give clearance to a proposed merger if we are satisfied that the merger is unlikely to have the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market. For more information see our website.

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