ID firm buys out international major event security infrastructure specialist

An international acquisition has given a Yorkshire security specialist access to all areas of the sector it serves.

Cards-X supplier of ID cards and the print equipment behind them, has bought out Germany-based Adon Development, a specialist in access control systems for large-scale events.

It is one of the world’s most prominent suppliers of turnstiles, barriers, gates and electronic door systems, erving clients including the Eurovision Song Contest, Ski World Cup Croatia, as well as global motor racing events.

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Norman Kämmerling, chief executive at Malton-based Cards-X, said: “Adon Development is a world leader in access control systems with an innovative product range that is supported by an advanced online system that can provide an array of bespoke services to ensure sports fans, music lovers, exhibition attendees, and anyone else visiting an event, have an outstanding experience.

“It’s very exciting to be able to incorporate these products and services into our offering and the acquisition will enable us to continue growing our client base throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.”

Based in Ratingen, near Dusseldorf, Adon’s founder, Peter Mooshage, and its six-strong team will all remain with the business, which is being rebranded to Cards-X Development.

Cards-X had launched in Anlaby, Hull, moving to Malton where further business has been added.

It bought out the world’s most eco-friendly manufacturer of ID card holders, Evohold, in 2020.

Following the acquisition, it relocated the business from Preston to Malton and the company now produces hundreds of thousands of card holders on a weekly basis, exporting globally.

Chief operating officer, Andy Reeves, said: “Cards-X is now at the forefront of the market in terms of security ID cards and the print equipment used to create them, and this latest acquisition is a key part of our ambition to become much more than a distributor and manufacturer.”