Leica Camera AG is reportedly in discussions to be acquired by the Chinese investment company HongShan Capital Group. Currently, Leica is majority owned by Austrian billionaire Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and partly by the US investment firm Blackstone.
- Leica Camera AG is 55 percent owned by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann and 45 percent by Blackstone.
- Blackstone is negotiating to sell its stake to Chinese firm HongShan Capital Group, formerly Sequoia Capital.
- HongShan Capital is also interested in acquiring Dr. Kaufmann’s shares and may pursue another IPO.
- The company could be valued at around $1 billion in this potential takeover.
ongoing talks could reshape leica’s ownership
Leica Camera AG, a renowned manufacturer in the camera industry, is currently owned by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, holding 55 percent, and Blackstone, which owns the remaining 45 percent. Bloomberg reports that Blackstone is in talks to sell its stake to HongShan Capital Group, a Chinese investment firm previously known as Sequoia Capital.
potential sale includes majority stake and future ipo plans
Beyond acquiring Blackstone’s portion, HongShan Capital Group is reportedly interested in purchasing Dr. Kaufmann’s shares as well. This could lead to a full transfer of ownership to the Chinese company. Additionally, there is consideration for conducting another initial public offering for Leica Camera AG, which was fully privatized and delisted from the stock market in October 2012.
valuation and industry implications
The possible takeover could value Leica Camera AG at approximately $1 billion. This move would mark another traditional camera manufacturer’s transition into Chinese ownership, following the 2017 acquisition of Hasselblad by the drone maker DJI. Dr. Kaufmann currently serves as chairman of Leica’s Supervisory Board, so any change in ownership might significantly influence the company’s strategic direction.
Via: Notebookcheck
