The recent filing of a PREM14A proxy statement with the SEC, the AuthenTec security firm sheds some light on why Apple decided to acquire the company, according to "The Next Web" (http://macte.ch/DO9z8).

Last month it was announced that Apple had agreed to buy AuthenTec (http://www.authentec.com), a maker of fingerprint sensor chips used in personal computers, for US$8 per share, in a deal valued at about $356 million, according to "Reuters" (http://macte.ch/td0Qo).

Here's the company's official description of itself: "AuthenTec encryption technology, fingerprint sensors and identity management software are deployed by the leading mobile device, networking and computing companies, content and service providers, and governments worldwide. AuthenTec’s products and technologies provide security on hundreds of millions of devices, and the Company has shipped more than 100 million fingerprint sensors for integration in a wide range of portable electronics including over 15 million mobile phones. Top tier customers include Alcatel-Lucent, Cisco, Fujitsu, HBO, HP, Lenovo, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Orange, Samsung, Sky, and Texas Instruments."

"The Next Web" says the acquisition involves 2D fingerprint scanners in upcming Apple products such as the next iPhone and the rumored "iPad mini." "We believe they will include NFC, but there is limited evidence to support this," the article adds.