Bloomberg reports that HSG (HongShan Capital Group, formerly Sequoia Capital China) has emerged as the leading bidder in advanced discussions to acquire Blackstone’s approximately 45% stake in Leica Camera AG. According to people familiar with the matter, HSG may also seek to purchase the remaining ~55% held by the Kaufmann family (via ACM Projektentwicklung), potentially […]
Bloomberg reports that Blackstone could sell control of Leica Camera in a €1 billion deal. Rumors about a potential sale have been floating around since 2017: Blackstone has tasked Morgan Stanley with finding a buyer for its 45 percent stake in Leica Camera Blackstone in talks to sell stake in Leica, Zeiss is “potentially interested” […]
New report from Reuters on Blackstone’s attempt to sell their stake in Leica Camera:
Reuters reports that Blackstone is in talks to sell their stake in Leica: The investor has teamed up with an investment bank to work out strategic options for the company and has already held talks with several potential acquirers, the people said, adding no official auction process was underway. “ACM has long-term goals with Leica Camera,” […]
The German website manager-magazin.de published an article about the potential replacement of the current Leica Camera CEO Alfred Schopf. I was told that this is not the first and it is not going to be last change in top management. There are rumors that Blackstone is not happy with the current performance of the German camera manufacturer. […]
According to the WSJ, Leica Camera sold 44% of the company to Blackstone for €130 million ($179 million): “Though the price wasn’t disclosed, the deal is valued at roughly €130 million ($179 million), according to a person close to the matter.” In 2004 Dr. Kaufmann, bought 95% of the company for approximately €60 million ($82 million): “Mr. Kaufmann, a […]
Not really a big surprise since Leica has been looking for a sell since they turned around their finances. Why sell only 44%? My guess is that way Dr. Kaufmann can still own the majority (51%) of the company (he owned 95% of Leica’s stock: 95%-44% =51%). Here is the full press release: Leica […]
