Leica Camera AG, the Solms, Germany-based legendary manufacturer of premium-segment cameras and sport optics products, has received a minority investment from The Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX).
Following the transaction, which is still subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2011, ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH will remain the majority shareholder while funds advised by Blackstone will acquire, indirectly through a holding company, a 44% minority stake in Leica.
The investment is designed to support the company’s growth plans into new markets such as Asia, South America and the Middle East.
Leica employs with 1,150 people across its headquarters in Solna, in second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal, and branches in England, France, Japan, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea and the USA.
FinSMEs
19/10/2011