Hasselblad acquired by Ventizz Capital Fund, will explore 'brand new markets'

[Kym]

http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/05/h...explore-brand/

Pentax now Hasselblad change owners...

Change may be afoot over at Hasselblad, now that the high-end camera maker has been acquired by Ventizz Capital Fund IV -- a private equity firm based in Switzerland and Germany. Neither party disclosed any financial details, but Ventizz said it will implement "no major structural or key management changes" at its newly acquired company. It remains to be seen whether or not this acquisition brings about any changes at the strategic level, though Hasselblad CEO Larry Hansen said his company is looking forward to exploring "brand new markets" -- including, we hope, the "sub-$10,000" one. Full PR after the break.

http://www.hasselblad.com/news/hasse...an-owners.aspx

4/07/2011 Hasselblad, the premium medium format camera manufacturer, is planning a rapid expansion of cutting edge capture products and is set to target new imaging markets following the company’s acquisition by Ventizz Capital Fund IV, LP, a private equity investor exclusively advised by Swiss- and Germany based Ventizz Capital Partners AG.

Ventizz, which specialises in funding growth in companies across various high-tech industry sectors including communications technology and renewable energy, says it plans ‘no major structural or key management changes’ at Hasselblad.

Announcing the move Dr. Larry Hansen, Hasselblad Chairman & CEO said: “After eight years of ownership by the Hong Kong-based Shriro group, Hasselblad is now moving back to its European roots.

History shows that for over half a century we have been the leading manufacturer and partner for photographers working in the medium format environment and seeking highest quality and ongoing innovation.
In 2002 we pioneered the revolutionary Hasselblad H-Camera System – the most comprehensive digital camera system of its kind available today, with its unique advancements such as True Focus and instant lens correction in our Phocus software.”

He added: “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.”

Hasselblad has recently launched the H4D-200MS, a top end multi-shot camera delivering unprecedented 200 megapixels.

[Tannin]

Then it must be Tuesday.

[Bennymiata]

I wonder if they'll ever get into the 35mm type market.

Their cameras have been THE standard for many years.

[I @ M]

Then it must be Tuesday.

Maybe they are vying with Pentax for the award of the most sold camera company?

What is it now, 5 times on the auction block?

[Tannin]

I thought it was 6 times ... but it's like marriage - past the third one, who is counting? Only the third time for Pentax.

[Kym]

2nd for Pentax.
#1 sold to Hoya
#2 sold to Ricoh

[Tannin]

^ Three owners is what I meant, Kym. Are we counting marriages? (ans = 3) or divorces? (ans = 2).

[Kym]

^ Three owners is what I meant, Kym. Are we counting marriages? (ans = 3) or divorces? (ans = 2).

Your single (original founders), the married once (Hoya), then a 2nd time (Ricoh)