Leica Camera AG Reportedly Up for Sale; Blackstone Considers Divesting Stake
The company known as Leica Camera AG which produces cameras such as the Leica M11 and Q3 is currently conducting a sale investigation. Blackstone, the primary shareholder of the company, has initiated this process because it plans to sell its ownership share. Investment groups from China and Sweden have shown initial interest.
Shareholder Positions and Potential Sale
The company's ownership is divided between two main stakeholders. The privatization of the company in 2012 by Dr. Andreas Kaufmann who serves as the current chairman and majority shareholder enabled him to acquire ownership of more than half of the company's shares. Blackstone, the US investment firm, possesses approximately 45% of the company's shares.
Blackstone is currently seeking to divest its complete 45% shareholding according to a Bloomberg report. The Kaufmann family is reportedly exploring the option to sell their controlling interest while also considering the possibility of future company investments.
Potential Buyers and Company Control
The Chinese investment group Sequoia Capital China and the Swedish company Altor Equity Partners currently represent potential buyers who are actively pursuing the acquisition. The sale process will lead to the Kaufmann family losing their ownership of the camera manufacturer for the first time since 2006.
Valuation and Financial Performance
The current market value of Leica Camera AG stands at approximately €1 billion which is equivalent to $1.19 billion. The company has demonstrated excellent financial performance by achieving €596 million in revenue for the fiscal year which ended on March 31, 2025. The current revenue represents a 7.6% increase compared to the previous year. The company's revenue stream originates from its camera business and its partnership with Xiaomi to create Leica-branded smartphones.
Current Status of Negotiations
The Bloomberg report emphasizes that the sale negotiations are in a very early stage. The company has not reached a decision about selling its assets nor has it completed any contractual agreements.
Source: Bloomberg report.
