Photo by Alexander Andrews In early August, Reuters reported that Blackstone was engaging in talks with potential buyers to acquire its 45% stake in Leica. Sources had said at the time that Blackstone was working with an investment bank, though that bank wasn't named, and that it had already discussed the potential business deal with several possible buyers.
Reuters is back with more info about the alleged business plan, revealing that Blackstone is working with Morgan Stanley.
Sources have claimed that Zeiss was interested in possibly acquiring a stake in Leica, but only if it could get a majority of the company. Private equity funds, family investors, and "Asian optics groups" are also claimed among those interested in Blackstone's 45% stake.
In its most recent report, Reuters said that Blackstone is aiming for a high valuation, banking on the fact that Leica is perceived as a luxury brand versus other big camera companies like Nikon and Canon. No auction for the stake has been started, the sources claim. Neither Blackstone or Morgan Stanley have commented on the report.
. dpreview.com2017-9-20 21:12
