Motorola Inc. is selling an Anaheim-based unit to France’s Safran for undisclosed terms.
The Anaheim unit makes computer fingerprint identification systems for law enforcement and other government agencies as well as commercial customers around the world.
The sale is expected to close by the first quarter after regulatory approvals. The unit is set to become part of Safran’s Sagem Defense Securite subsidiary.
Safran also makes aircraft engines, missile systems, aircraft landing gear and brakes and other defense and aerospace products.
Motorola is selling the Anaheim business to focus on its communications operations.
The Anaheim unit was formed after Motorola bought Printrak International Inc. for $160 million in 2000.
The unit’s systems are used for criminal investigations, job applicant background checks, visas and passports, border patrol and social services fraud detection.
In Printrak’s early life, the company was a unit of Britain’s De La Rue PLC, before a 1989 management buyout.
The company went public in 1996, raising $16 million.
