LOS ANGELES - Oberthur Card Systems said it has bought SmartCards International, a card management software developer.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
London-based SmartCards International has developed a system that lets issuers add features from the Internet to a smart card, or delete them. It also keeps track of the loyalty points and monetary value on each card so that information is not lost if a card is lost or stolen.
Oberthur said the deal is a significant step toward becoming a leader in card management.
"In acquiring SmartCards International, we have invested in the best technological expertise available in this market, ensuring Oberthur will be 'writing the book' on card management," said Thomas Savare, its chief operating officer.
