Telecom Lead America: Ericsson has sold Ericsson Internet Payment Exchange to digital security solutions provider Gemalto.

The US operation of Ericsson Internet Payment Exchange is not part of the deal.

Gemalto is also acquiring Ericsson’s Trusted Service Manager (TSM) activity.

“Acquiring IPX is a natural step for us in supporting the ramp up of MNO and mobile service providers related payment and identity services. IPX’s positioning, as an international player built on Ericsson advanced technology, is really a perfect fit with Gemalto,” said Olivier Piou, CEO of Gemalto.

Ericsson’s IPX connects more than 1,000 customers to over 120 mobile network operators (MNOs).

Moreover, IPX operates payment platforms as a white label service for various operators.

 Both the companies did not reveal the size of the acquisition.

IPX and its 100 people will join Gemalto’s Software & Services business line in the Mobile Communications segment.

“As part of Ericsson, IPX has built a robust platform and a worldwide business. Gemalto’s dedication to developing mobile money, mobile identity and mobile security, and expertise in advanced secure cards and NFC, will be key to expanding our offers and accelerating our growth,” said Richard Anell, head of IPX.

In December 2011, Gemalto acquired SensorLogic that SensorLogic developed a cloud-based, machine-to-machine (M2M) service delivery platform. The SensorLogic platform as a service approach allows enterprises, mobile network operators, system integrators and service providers to bring services to market at a fraction of the cost of a traditional in-house development.

In 2011, Gemalto reported annual revenues of $2 billion.

Gemalto develops secure embedded software and secure products.

Ericsson provides support for networks that serve more than 2 billion subscribers. The roadmap for each individual Ericsson product evolves in-sync with the wider network and business-support-system transformation that the company drives.

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