The acquisition underlines a growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at modernising government services through scalable and secure digital infrastructure
In a strategic move to expand its footprint in Latin America and strengthen its public service delivery capabilities, VFS Global, a leading visa and passport administration outsourcing firm, has acquired a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a Brazil-based provider of digital and physical citizen services.
In a press statement VFS Global says that the deal aims to transform how governments engage with citizens by leveraging technology, infrastructure, and operational expertise.
It adds that with the backing of VFS Global, CiX plans to accelerate its expansion within Brazil and across Latin America.
VFS says that the company has processed over 309 million applications since 2001 and recently secured major contracts with governments including the UK, Australia, Norway and Sweden.
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It adds that the companies also plan to establish a centre of excellence in Brazil to develop solutions that can be replicated globally, focusing on AI and Omni channel platforms. CiX’s “phygital” model, combining in-person and digital services, will remain central to reaching digitally underserved populations.
According to VFS, the acquisition underlines a growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at modernising government services through scalable and secure digital infrastructure.
Founded in 2008, CiX operates over 250 service centres across Brazil and has served more than 150 million citizens.
It adds that the company has issued over 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licences, with operations in major regions including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Ceará.
It adds that the VFS Global’s investment in CiX positions the combined entity as a key player in citizen service delivery in both emerging and developed markets.
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“Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America, and beyond. This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens’ lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility, and savings for governments worldwide,” says Sergio Rodrigues, CEO, CiX Citizen Services.
“We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition which will be value accretive for both companies, for CiX Citizen Experience and for VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this, and our technological capabilities, will provide the launchpad for CiX Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services world-wide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens’ quality of life and build renewed trust in governments,” says Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global.
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