Scalable IoT: Giesecke+Devrient Acquires IoT specialist Pod

Munich based security technology group Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) has acquired Enterprise Network Operator (ENO) Pod Group who specializes in scalable IoT connectivity solutions. The UK-based firm with offices in Seville/Spain and other worldwide locations has access to 600+ networks in 185 countries. Pod and their products complement the G+D eSIM portfolio, and provide the ability to connect, manage, bill and secure devices via a seamless and cost-effective approach. The combined portfolio will reduce barriers to IoT adoption and make it easier for buyers to fulfill their requirements with a single partner. The acquisition is part of the strategic development of G+D towards a solution provider in the IoT business. The purchase price was not disclosed.

Ralf Wintergerst, Group CEO of Giesecke+Devrient commented on the acquisition:

Combining Pod with G+D strengthens our portfolio with proven connectivity management and proven performance in supporting hundreds of millions of mobile IoT devices worldwide, and with the ability to deliver secure solutions that scale, and which enterprises can afford. The next steps are to bring our two product portfolios closer together to create even more efficiency and value for our customers and address the broader IoT market.

Pod founder Charles Towers-Clark stresses:

Pod Group has grown organically since its inception in 1999 thanks to the quality and commitment of my colleagues and the loyalty that our customers have shown us. I strongly believe that Pod Group’s success is due to an emphasis on initiative and responsibility as part of the WEIRD culture, which we implemented over the past years. As a family company with long-term vision and a caring attitude to their staff, G+D is the perfect home for the next phase of Pod Group’s growth. This acquisition is an amazing strategic fit for both parties. So I look forward to seeing Pod Group together with G+D become the leading international provider of data connectivity for the IoT sector.

Over the past years we consistently pursued our strategic goals and invested heavily in our digital portfolio. In particular, we were able to successfully further expand the future fields of digital payment and encryption technology. And now, with the acquisition of Pod, we strengthen our portfolio in the field of IoT,

Wintergerst emphasizes the strategic relevance of the Pod deal.

Author: Rainer Claaßen
Image Credit:Giesecke+Devrient