Leica Facing A Change Of Ownership?

Recent reports suggest Leica Camera AG could be heading toward a meaningful ownership change. According to Bloomberg, financial investor Blackstone, which has owned roughly 45 percent of Leica since 2011, is considering selling its stake, potentially alongside majority shareholder Andreas Kaufmann. The company is said to be valued at around one billion euros, a number that shows just how far Leica has come over the past decade. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the news has already stirred plenty of conversation.

Blackstone originally joined Leica to help push the brand’s global expansion, especially in Asia, and by most measures that strategy worked. Leica has stayed financially healthy while doubling down on the premium end of the market. Even so, any hint of new ownership naturally raises questions, particularly given Leica’s very deliberate approach to products and long-term development. This all comes at a time when Leica has also show interest in returning to in-house sensor development.

Potential buyers mentioned include HongShan Capital Group, a major Chinese investment firm, and Altor Equity Partners from Northern Europe. For now, these talks appear to be early and exploratory. Importantly, Andreas Kaufmann could remain involved, which would mean things continue largely as they are rather than Leica suddenly heading in a completely new direction.