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Leica has not been confirmed sold. Bloomberg reported on May 28, 2026, that investment firm HSG was the leading bidder for Blackstone’s reported 45% stake in Leica Camera AG. The report put Leica’s potential valuation at about €1 billion, but said talks were ongoing and no deal was guaranteed. It also said HSG could buy the remaining 55% held by Andreas Kaufmann if he chose to sell.
What Bloomberg reported about a possible Leica sale
Bloomberg, in a report republished by Yahoo Finance on May 28, 2026, said HSG had emerged as the leading bidder for Blackstone Inc.’s 45% interest in Leica Camera AG. The report attributed its information to people familiar with the matter; it was not a public transaction filing or confirmation from Leica.
The report said HSG might also purchase Kaufmann’s 55% stake if he decided to sell. It described a possible future listing as an option HSG might pursue, but said discussions were continuing and an announcement could still be weeks away. Bloomberg explicitly cautioned that there was no guarantee of a deal. Read the Bloomberg report republished by Yahoo Finance.
What the reported €1 billion figure means
The approximately €1 billion figure was a possible company valuation discussed in the report—not a confirmed purchase price, signed offer, or completed transaction value. A valuation estimate does not establish what a buyer would pay for a particular stake, or whether Kaufmann would sell his shares.
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- Combining Two Modes: Analogue and digital photography intertwine in this modern designed Hybrid Camera bringing fun and creative memories
- Preserve Moments: With the SOFORT 2, every moment is preserved, digitally and in instant photo form
- New Shutter: Take full advantage of the two shutter releases for your selfies, landscapes and portraits
- Choose Your Best: Support your creativity with various Lens and Film Effects to choose from and an LCD display that helps you to select only your best shots before you print them
- App Support: It is seamlessly integrated with the Leica FOTOS App enabling you to print all your images from the Leica Gallery on your mobile device
The report’s dollar equivalents are inconsistent in the page text, so the euro estimate is the clearest figure to cite. The report does not establish final deal terms.
Which ownership outcomes remain possible
The report described scenarios, not settled terms. Buying Blackstone’s reported stake alone would be different from buying both that stake and Kaufmann’s shares:
Rank #2
- Combining Two Modes: Analogue and digital photography intertwine in this modern designed Hybrid Camera bringing fun and creative memories
- Preserve Moments: With the SOFORT 2, every moment is preserved, digitally and in instant photo form
- New Shutter: Take full advantage of the two shutter releases for your selfies, landscapes and portraits
- Choose Your Best: Support your creativity with various Lens and Film Effects to choose from and an LCD display that helps you to select only your best shots before you print them
- App Support: It is seamlessly integrated with the Leica FOTOS App enabling you to print all your images from the Leica Gallery on your mobile device
| Scenario | What it would mean | Status in the report |
|---|---|---|
| Blackstone’s reported 45% stake alone | HSG would acquire Blackstone’s interest; the report did not say that this alone would transfer control. | HSG was reported as the leading bidder; no completed purchase was confirmed. |
| Blackstone’s stake plus Kaufmann’s 55% | A purchase of both reported stakes could amount to a change of control. | Presented as possible only if Kaufmann chose to sell; no agreement was confirmed. |
These are not confirmed deal structures, and the report does not establish whether any transaction has since closed.
What Leica’s financial results say—and don’t say
Leica Camera AG’s September 8, 2026 release reported group revenue of €573 million for FY2025/26, covering April 2025 through March 2026. That was a 3.8% decrease from €596 million in the prior financial year. Revenue is the income generated over a period; it is not the company’s valuation or a measure of the price agreed in a sale.
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- Leica Q3: A groundbreaking digital camera renowned for its innovative features and performance, making it a top choice among photographers
- Triple Resolution Sensor: Featuring a first-ever 60MP BSI CMOS sensor with Triple Resolution Technology, delivering exceptional image quality and lifelike colors
- Versatile Framing: Offers digital zoom options up to 90mm, providing unmatched flexibility in composing shots
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with the new Maestro IV Processor backed by 8GB of memory, ensuring swift performance, high-speed continuous shooting, and seamless image processing
- Advanced Autofocus: Boasts a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast and phase detection with tracking capabilities for sharp subjects in various conditions
The company said its Photo division drove revenue performance, Mobile continued strong growth, and demand in Sports Optics was stable. It also reported positive developments in watches and accessories, home cinema projectors, and spectacle lenses. Leica’s release characterized its position this way: “Leica has maintained a strong market position in a challenging market environment.” See Leica’s FY2025/26 release.
Why this is a broader company than a camera brand
Leica Camera AG describes itself as a premium manufacturer of cameras, lenses, and sports optics, with businesses in mobile imaging, watches, spectacle lenses, and projectors. Its newsroom says the group has sales organisations in 32 markets and around 120 Leica Stores, alongside selected specialist retailers and online sales. Leica Camera AG newsroom.
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- 60MP Full-Frame BSI CMOS Sensor, Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH. Lens, 8K30, 4K60 & 4:2:2 10-Bit, FHD ProRes HQ, Phase-Detection AF & Optical IS, Triple Resolution Technology, 5.76m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder, 3" 1.84m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD, ISO 50-100000, Up to 15-fps Shooting, SD UHS-II Slot; USB-C and HDMI Ports, IP52 Weather Sealing,
- Classic Design, Modern Power: The Leica Q3 seamlessly blends classic aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. As the third generation in the Q series, it maintains the timeless fixed focal length full-frame design while introducing new-to-Q technologies. The cameras powerful features include a 60MP sensor, a hybrid AF system, 8K video recording, and enhanced EVF and LCD designs.
- High-Resolution Sensor: Borrowed from the flagship M11, the Q3 boasts a 60MP full-frame CMOS sensor with a back-illuminated (BSI) design. This sensor enhances noise performance and readout speeds, benefiting both photo and video applications. Ideal for detail-oriented tasks like landscape and architecture photography, the BSI design improves the clarity and color accuracy in low-light conditions with higher ISO settings.
- Versatile Digital Zoom: The 60MP sensor enables unique digital zoom capabilities, simulating different focal length lenses. With options like a 1.25x crop for a 35mm focal length, a 1.8x crop for a 50mm focal length, a 2.7x crop for a 75mm focal length, and a 3.2x crop for a 90mm focal length, the Q3 provides flexibility for various shooting scenarios, enhancing its superb versatility for photographers.
- Items Included:1 x Leica Q3 Compact Digital Camera, 1 x Sandisk 64GB Extreme Pro Card, 1 x Deluxe Soft Case, 1 x Cleaning Kit,
Has Leica been sold to HSG?
The cited reporting does not confirm a sale. A search for this update surfaced no official transaction announcement from Leica or source establishing that a deal closed. That is a limit of the information checked, not proof that no transaction occurred after the May report. The available information therefore supports describing HSG as a reported leading bidder—not Leica’s confirmed new owner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Compact Powerhouse with a 17MP Four Thirds CMOS Sensor: The Leica D-Lux 8 packs professional-grade image quality into a compact body, making it the ideal companion for photographers on the go. Its 17MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor captures vivid, noise-free images with incredible detail, even in low-light conditions. Designed for those who value portability without compromising on performance, it’s perfect for street photography, travel, and everyday creative moments.
- Versatile Leica 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 Lens for Any Scene: From wide-angle landscapes to portraits with beautifully blurred backgrounds, the Leica 10.9-34mm f/1.7-2.8 lens (24-75mm full-frame equivalent) ensures exceptional versatility. Its bright aperture delivers stunning depth of field and excellent low-light performance, giving you the tools to master any lighting or scene. This lens is built for photographers who demand sharpness and clarity in every shot.
- Advanced OLED Viewfinder & High-Resolution LCD Display: Compose your shots with precision using the 2.36MP OLED electronic viewfinder, offering sharp and accurate framing, even under bright conditions. For those who prefer larger previews, the 3.0" 1.84m-dot TFT LCD delivers exceptional clarity and responsive touch control. Together, these features make the D-Lux 8 an intuitive tool for creators who value seamless usability and attention to detail.
- Modern Connectivity with Leica FOTOS App and USB-C: Stay connected and streamline your workflow with the Leica FOTOS app, Bluetooth LE, and USB-C support. Instantly transfer images to your smartphone for quick sharing or remote control your camera for unique perspectives. With an SD card slot and on-camera flash included, it’s the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and classic Leica design for photographers who want to stay ahead in today’s digital world.
- Bundle Includes: Leica D-Lux 8 Digital Camera + Memory card 64GB + Travel Bag + Cleaning kit + Memory Card Wallet
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