In a recent interview with Fujifilm CEO Shigetaka Komori, the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine reported that at one point Fujfilm considered acquiring Leica Camera AG (Google translation):
“Would you not like the German company Leica brand to buy, as this a few years ago up for sale?
We have been thinking seriously about it. But we decided against it.
Why?
Because it would not fit into our strategy. We then set about to rebuild Fujifilm.
And as the luxury brand Leica would not fit in your portfolio?
Leica is a premium brand, and I admit when something is for sale is that tempting. But Leica has a different business model. We make the Fujifilm sensor to software at all the important components themselves, too, we have a very good brand. So why should we put Fujifilm technology in an envelope from Leica.
Why not? That’s something a lot like that! The computers are manufactured by Apple, Foxconn, the television sets came from Sony, Samsung.
I think our decision to purchase from Leica is not desirable, very honest. Also we have the time to develop new business group, and then we have been made for. Since Leica fit into it not really.”
