#Sweden #Stockholm #HID #ASSA ABLOY #Vista Equity

ASSA ABLOY Sells HID's PKI Business Unit to Vista Equity Partners

In a strategic move aimed at fostering new opportunities, ASSA ABLOY, the global leader in access solutions, has announced the sale of its HID's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) business unit to Vista Equity Partners. This agreement was officially signed on October 16, 2026, and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of the same year, pending customary closing conditions.

What is PKI?

The PKI business unit specializes in providing critical services such as digital trust, identity management, authentication, encryption, and certificate management solutions. It boasts a range of products including the IdenTrust and HydrantID credential management systems as well as ZeroSSL. These offerings are essential for organizations looking to secure their digital operations and manage identity verification effectively.

Nico Delvaux, President and CEO of ASSA ABLOY, expressed his satisfaction with the deal, stating, "I find it very satisfying that with Vista, the PKI business unit and its employees and customers gain a committed long-term investor, creating new opportunities for the future and I wish them every success." This statement underscores the confidence in Vista’s potential to drive the PKI business forward.

Strong Business Landscape

The PKI division has shown robust performance, generating approximately USD 58 million in sales in 2025, which translates to around 570 million SEK, accompanied by a strong operating margin. Björn Lidefelt, Executive Vice President and Head of HID, highlighted the success of the PKI team in building a strong customer base. He emphasized that Vista has the necessary expertise to navigate the evolving market landscape, ensuring continuity and growth for PKI services.

Future Outlook

With Vista Equity Partners' backing, the PKI business unit is poised to benefit from new investments that could enhance its service offerings and operational efficiency. This strategic divestiture allows ASSA ABLOY to focus on its core areas while ensuring that the PKI business unit remains in capable hands, prioritizing customer and employee success.

The acquisition also highlights a growing trend in the business landscape where companies are reallocating resources and divisions to optimize operational effectiveness and market responsiveness. By engaging with a dedicated investment partner, the former PKI unit is set to scale and innovate, meeting the rising demands for secure digital identity solutions.

In conclusion, this sale represents a significant shift for both ASSA ABLOY and the PKI segment, positioning each for future growth and success in their respective areas. The confidence placed in Vista Equity Partners suggests a promising road ahead for stakeholders involved, from employees to customers.

For inquiries, interested parties can contact ASSA ABLOY directly through their leadership team: contact details include Nico Delvaux at +46 8 506 485 82, Erik Pieder at +46 8 506 485 72, and Björn Tibell at +46 70 275 67 68.

About ASSA ABLOY

ASSA ABLOY stands as a frontrunner in access solutions globally, dedicated to enhancing safety and security while providing users with a more open world. With a workforce of 64,000 employees and annual sales of SEK 152 billion, the company holds leading positions in door openings, trusted identities, and entrance automation. Its innovations facilitate secure and convenient access to both physical and digital environments.