Imacon, the manufacturer of high-end scanners and digital camera backs, has been acquired by Shiro Sweden, the holding company of Hasseblad camera maker Victor Hasselblad AB. Imacon and Hasselblad will merge as a result of the acquisition; the acquisition includes Imacon USA. Christian Poulsen, founder of Imacon, will become CEO of the newly enlarged Hasselblad.
Hasselblad had been working closely with Imacon to develop digital solutions for the Ixpress digital camera back and the Hasselblad H1. “During this process, we discovered a number of natural synergies between the two companies,” says Lars Pappila, managing director of Hasselblad's Swedish headquarters. “The new organization will enable us to increase the digitization for Hasselblad customers, and introduce new customers to truly advanced professional digital solutions.”
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“This new company presents us with tremendous opportunities moving forward,” says Poulsen. “It will significantly lower the barriers to entry and allow more photographers than ever before to realize the quality, versatility, and performance of our high-end digital solutions.”
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Further details will be announced in the near future. Shiro Sweden is part of the Shiro Group, headquartered in Hong Kong. Shiro Group, founded in 1906, has an annual sales turnover of $350 million and has more than 3500 employees in 15 countries and regions. (Imacon: www.imacon.dk; Hasselblad: www.hasselblad.se)