Oberthur Technologies believes smart cards are the smart choice for secure transactions. A leading card supplier to both Visa and MasterCard, the company manufactures smart cards, magnetic stripe cards, and related software and equipment. It also provides subscriber identity module (SIM) cards to mobile communications network operators. Other offerings include electronic identity cards, conditional access systems for pay television systems, and payment cards for public transportation. Oberthur Technologies has operations throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe, and now in Africa and the Middle East. Private equity firm Advent International and Oberthur's management acquired the company in 2011.