Apple to acquire fingerprint chip firm Authentec

SAN FRANCISCO—Apple Inc. has signed a merger agreement to acquire AuthenTec Inc., a provider of fingerprint ICs, sensors and software for security, for about $356 million, according to a regulatory filing.

In a filing made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission late last week, AuthenTec (Melbourne, Fla.) said its board of directors unanimously approved the merger agreement, under which Apple (Cupertino, Calif.) will pay $8 per share to acquire the company.

The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval of AuthenTec shareholders, according to the filing.  

According to a Businessweek report, the deal would mark Apple's second largest acquisition on record.

In 2010, AuthenTec acquired rival Upek Inc., creating the world’s largest provider of fingerprint sensors and identity management software.