One Brand - Three Independent Companies

04 January 2008

Leica Microsystems GmbH, Leica Geosystems AG, and Leica Camera AG have been three completely independent companies, for more than nine years, without any remaining legal, operative or financial linkage.

Leica Camera AG is today listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange, with ACM Projektentwicklung GmbH (Salzburg, Austria) holding more than 96% shares. Leica Geosystems AG is a Swiss company and part of the Swedish Hexagon Group, and Leica Microsystems GmbH is a German company owned by the US concern Danaher Corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The use of the Leica brand is the only remaining connection between the three companies, on account of the long history and heritage of these now independent companies. Leica Microsystems is the owner of the Leica trade name and trademark and has granted licenses for their use by the other companies.

Leica Microsystems’ business serves completely different markets and customers to Leica Camera AG and Leica Geosystems AG. The reported financial difficulties of Leica Camera are in no way connected to the financial position of Leica Microsystems GmbH, which is pleased to confirm that its own financial position remains solid with strong current trading results.