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

Chris Dodkin

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

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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"

Hasselblad set for growth under new European owners

30/06/2011 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 specializes 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.
 
I have a mate back in Leicester who's got a bunch of Blad gear - but he never gets it out now he's gone DSLR!

The leap to digital with the blad takes a deep wallet!!
 
It depends what you have really. A 16 MP back on a C/M creates stunning low noise images (4cm x 4cm sensor) and, compared with buying a whole new system can be very cost-effective. As newer technology comes along you can (cost depending) upgrade the back (often via an upgrade route involving part exchange). My first proper digital capture system was a PhaseOne H16 and its still out-performs many DSLR's including my D3 at low and moderate ISO.
 
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