For the second time in less than a year, access control and card provider IDenticard (and sister company IDenticam) has new ownership. Last year, the Pennsylvania company was acquired by GE and today it was announced that Brady Corp. is the new owner. Brady’s other personal identification companies include TEMPbadge, Stopware and J.A.M. Plastics in the U.S., and BIGBadge in the U.K and France.

Brady Corporation Acquires Security Identification Maker GE IDenticard Systems, Inc.

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ – Brady Corporation (NYSE:BRC) , a world leader in identification solutions, today announced that it has acquired GE IDenticard Systems, Inc. based in Lancaster, Penn., and its Canadian affiliate IDenticam located in Markham, Ontario. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

IDenticard, founded in 1970, is a market leader in personal identification, access control and consumable identification badges. Known as an innovator in security card technology, its products include identification card systems that combine biometrics, digital imaging and other technologies to positively identify people and prevent identification card counterfeiting; and access control systems that restrict entry into buildings using multiple card-reader technologies. IDenticam offers integrated photo identification solutions, printers, supplies, accessories and visitor management solutions.

The companies, with 120 employees in the U.S. and 36 in Canada, have over 30,000 customers in healthcare, education, government and manufacturing. They had combined 2005 sales of about $33 million (U.S.). IDenticard and IDenticam were acquired by GE in March 2005 as part of its acquisition of Edwards Systems Technology.

“With an increased importance on safety and security around the world, the need for effective personal identification has never been greater. IDenticard’s proprietary products and advanced technologies in this area make them a terrific addition to Brady’s personal identification brands including TEMPbadge, Stopware and J.A.M. Plastics in the U.S., and BIGBadge in the U.K and France,” said Tom Felmer, Brady vice president - Direct Marketing Americas. “The acquisition of IDenticard and IDenticam further strengthens our position in the personal identification market and establishes Brady as a leader in card access security badges. We expect this acquisition to play a key role in our global personal identification product strategy.”

“We’re very excited to be joining the Brady team,” said IDenticard General Manager Bob Hager. “Brady brings strong leadership with a commitment to product development and innovation that will provide significant opportunities for our growth and further enhance our focus on the customer.”

Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products and people. Its products help customers increase safety, security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has more than 300,000 customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs about 5,500 people in operations in the United States, Europe, Asia/Pacific, Latin America and Canada. Brady’s fiscal 2005 sales were approximately $816 million. More information is available on the Internet at http://www.bradycorp.com/ and http://www.identicard.com/.