Leica results ”above expectations

In February 2010, Leica had announced a loss of Euro 4.8 million (US-$ 5.9 million) for the first nine months of fiscal 2009/2010. The full-year results were proof of the positive development from the third quarter of the fiscal year, the company said. According to a press release, Leica took particular advantage of its new products including the professional camera system S2, the Leica M9 (the smallest digital system camera of the world featuring a full-format image sensor) and the compact Leica X1. New products in the company’s sport optics division such as the laser distance meter Leica CRF 1600 were also well received by the international markets. Products introduced during the last nine months now account for 50 percent of Leica’s sales, the company said, adding that a successful restructuring process, reduced expenses for purchasing and general administration and the implementation of a new sales structure also contributed to the turnaround.

Rudolf Spiller, CEO of Leica Camera AG, commented: “Leica is back. More and more enthusiastic buyers around the world appreciate our innovative technical solutions, the outstanding product quality and the unique design marked by our legendary red dot. The successful turnaround has become possible through the joint efforts of Leica’s employees and the management to actively pursue our common targets while accepting the necessary changes.”