The last thing Leica needs is to become a short-term cash cow. That could easily destroy the brand. At least DJI, with its ownership of Hasselblad, has an incentive to offer a viable, competitive product without needing to quickly cash in. Let’s hope Kaufman doesn’t sell his stake.
johnvanr wrote:
The last thing Leica needs is to become a short-term cash cow. That could easily destroy the brand. At least DJI, with its ownership of Hasselblad, has an incentive to offer a viable, competitive product without needing to quickly cash in. Let’s hope Kaufman doesn’t sell his stake.
Everyone thought DJI was going to destroy Hasselblad, too.
Just saw what is probably the same report on Bloomberg.
I’ll believe that Dr K will sell when I see it happen, not before. Most things have a price, though.
Not least because I know nothing of HSG, I’ll also resist the temptation to speculate as to whether or not this would be a good thing. That said, it does rather seem that DJI’s ownership of Hasselblad (never formally confirmed but widely assumed to be so) has been almost entirely beneficial (setting aside reservations that I realise some have about “foreign” ownership, of course).
I have discussed the transaction with DR Kaufmann and various family members in person multiple times in the last few Months. He has said the a deal is "in process" whatever that means. He has also said that they have no plans to divest themselves of Leica. They have a multiple generation management plan in place with members of the family dispersed across divisions in leadership rolls.
I would not be surprised if the family did take some money off the table through some form of sale and dilution however. They are hoping to be able to announce the deal before the end of June.
johnvanr wrote:
DJI at least is a manufacturer. Private equity is just money play.
DJI is also partially owned by Sequoia Capital China, Accel Partners, and Qiming Venture Partners. If Kaufmann keeps controlling interest, then maybe it's a distinction without a difference.
1bwana1 wrote:
I have discussed the transaction with DR Kaufmann and various family members in person multiple times in the last few Months. He has said the a deal is "in process" whatever that means. He has also said that they have no plans to divest themselves of Leica. They have a multiple generation management plan in place with members of the family dispersed across divisions in leadership rolls.
I would not be surprised however if the family did take some money off the table through some form of sale and dilution however. They are hoping to be able to announce the deal before the end of June....Show more →
Any thoughts about leveraging emerging Chinese manufacturing power or is it purely investment?
highdesertmesa wrote:
DJI is also partially owned by Sequoia Capital China, Accel Partners, and Qiming Venture Partners. If Kaufmann keeps controlling interest, then maybe it's a distinction without a difference.
That’s why I said I hope Kaufman keeps his controlling stake.
I just hope that the potential new owner revises the push only to focus Leica as luxury product and offers again camera and lens lines more reasonably priced for entry etc.
