Advent Said to Gear Up for Sale of Idemia’s Public Security Unit

Advent is moving ahead with a potential sale of French biometrics firm Idemia’s public security unit, people familiar with the matter said, following a deal to dispose the smart identity business.

The US private equity firm is working with advisers including Rothschild & Co. on the transaction and could start a formal process as soon as September, the people said, asking not to be identified because the information is private. The unit, which provides services including airport security and facial recognition, could be valued at €2 billion ($2.3 billion) to €3 billion in a sale, the people said.

The ...