• Valid is a global technology provider offering payment, mobile, data and identity solutions
• Valid USA’s payment and identity solutions businesses include three manufacturing facilities in Illinois and Indiana
• Giesecke+Devrient is a Munich-based global security technology group
• The successful transaction further exemplifies Mesirow’s significant divestiture and cross-border experience, along with expertise in collaboration across industry sectors

CHICAGO, December 12, 2022 – Mesirow, an independent, employee-owned financial services firm, announced it acted as exclusive financial advisor to Valid USA (“Valid” or the “Company”) on the sale of its payment and identity assets to Giesecke+Devrient (“G+D”).

Valid is a global technology provider offering payment, mobile, data and identity solutions. Valid’s payment and identity solutions businesses include three manufacturing facilities in Downers Grove, Illinois, Bolingbrook, Illinois and Fort Wayne, Indiana, as well as parts of the Valid USA headquarters in Lisle, Illinois, and collectively employ over 400 people. Giesecke+Devrient is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich, with an established presence in the US since 1990.

Eli Carmeli, former President & CEO of Valid USA and now member of the Executive Management Team of G+D US, said, “Mesirow provided critical guidance throughout this transaction, and identified the ideal buyer for Valid USA’s payment and ID assets in G+D. G+D has an established presence in the American payment, connectivity, identification and digital infrastructure segments, and Valid’s solutions will make a great addition to G+D’s portfolio and ensure continued excellence for customers.”

Shane McDaniel, Managing Director at Mesirow, said, “G+D is a global leader in security technology, and their acquisition of Valid USA’s payment and ID assets will expand their customer, product and solution portfolio and increase their overall market position within the US, so they are well-positioned for continued success over the long-term.”

Rocky Pontikes, Managing Director at Mesirow, said, “We were thrilled to assist Eli and the Valid USA team on this transaction. Valid’s portfolio of products is a strong strategic addition to G+D and will allow the combined entity to continue its strategic initiatives in the US, which remains one of the world’s largest payment and identity markets.”

The sale of Valid USA’s payment and identity assets represents another successful engagement completed by Mesirow Investment Banking and highlights the firm’s expertise within the technology industry. Committed to leveraging extensive sector-specific expertise across industry groups and nurturing deep longstanding relationships, Mesirow has a proven track record of completing highly tailored, complex and successful transactions on behalf of its clients.

About Mesirow 

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with locations around the world, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Global Investment Management, Capital Markets and Investment Banking, and Advisory Services, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities, and our culture. To learn more, visit mesirow.com and follow us on LinkedIn.

Mesirow was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business and one of the Top 100 RIA firms by Barron’s.

About Valid USA

Valid is a global technology provider that offers a complete portfolio of solutions in Payment, Mobile, Data and Identity Solutions, as well as Digital Marketing and Digital Certification.

Valid develops physical and digital solutions that allow companies, government agencies, consumers and citizens to identify themselves, connect, communicate and make secure, practical financial and data transactions. Learn more: valid.com.

About Giesecke+Devrient

Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) is a global security technology group headquartered in Munich. As a trusted partner to customers with the highest demands, G+D secures the essential values of the world with its solutions. The company develops technology with passion and precision in four major playing fields: payment, connectivity, identities and digital infrastructures. Learn more: gi-de.com.