Collaboration Spreads Risk and Increases Capabilities

The past two years in the ID and secure document world have been a period of consolidation, with IN Groupe, TOPPAN and Crane NXT, in particular, using takeovers to expand their capabilities. A different pattern is now emerging, however. Rather than acquiring complete businesses, organisations are combining technologies and infrastructure through strategic agreements.

In this article, we will look at four separate examples where collaboration is seen as a better option than acquisition. Such arrangements can reduce implementation risk and provide access to specialist capabilities without the expense and complexity of full corporate integration.

They may also offer greater flexibility where technologies, standards or regulations are still evolving.

KURZ strategic cooperation

Q&T Hi-Tech Polymer and KURZ have signed a project development cooperation agreement to integrate KINEGRAM® security features into Q&T’s polymer banknote substrates. The companies intend to develop embedded features positioned within the banknote structure, rather than relying on conventional surface-applied devices. The agreement combines Q&T’s substrate engineering and manufacturing platform with KURZ’s expertise in diffractive optical security.