Private equity firm takes control of Hasselblad
A private equity firm based in Germany has acquired the Swedish medium format camera manufacturer Hasselblad
Author: Olivier Laurent
30 Jun 2011
Ventizz, a private equity firm that "specialises in funding growth in companies across various high-tech industry sectors," has acquired a 100% stake in Hasselblad, gaining full control of the medium format camera maker. Previously, the firmed was owned by the Hong Kong-based Shriro Group.
The new ownership will not lead to any "major structural or key management changes," says Ventizz in a statement. However, according to Ad Hoc News in Germany, the private equity firm is planning to invest in an "appropriate growth strategy," with the goal of developing new market segments and "Hasselblad cameras that appeal to a wider group of ambitious photographers."
"After eight years of ownership by the Hong Kong-based Shriro group, Hasselblad is now moving back to its European roots," says Dr. Larry Hansen, Hasselblad's chairman and CEO. "Ventizz has a very impressive funding pedigree in the technology marketplace and our joint focus now will be on both maintaining our market-leading position with ongoing, advanced high-end camera products and also on exploiting the potential we see in brand new markets."
No financial details of the transaction have been disclosed.
BJP understands that Shriro will continue to distribute Hasselblad's cameras in Asia.
For more information, visit www.hasselblad.com and www.ventizz.com.
