Vorndran Mannheims Capital GmbH
Hasselblad appoints new CEO and continues to drive growth strategy forward
– Former COO Ian Rawcliffe appointed CEO of Hasselblad after playing vital role in strategy implementation – Hasselblad successfully entered luxury market with two new high-end consumer photography camera product lines – Ongoing corporate growth, expansion and new product development Düsseldorf/St.Gallen 27.11.2013 – The iconic camera manufacturer Hasselblad has appointed Ian Rawcliffe as new Chief Executive Officer. Ian Rawcliffe first started at Hasselblad in early 2013 as COO and played a vital role in the successful implementation of the company’s ongoing expansion process. By ensuring a quick production ramp-up and smooth distribution of the new Hasselblad luxury cameras and professional flagship system H5D, he effectively completed Hasselblad’s entry into the consumer markets. With the introduction of the first Hasselblad luxury cameras ever, the Lunar and the Stellar lines, Hasselblad continues the successful implementation of its growth strategy. Hasselblad is famous for its range of top quality high-end cameras, featuring, amongst others, the 500EL, which was used for the first images on the moon. Now in 2013 the company has extended its product range to include a series of luxury cameras. With strategic support of its shareholder, Vorndran Mannheims Capital (VMCap), Hasselblad kicked off the market introduction of the two consumer camera series starting with the Lunar in May 2013. The Lunar camera, a state-of-the-art technology, luxury mirrorless system camera, pairs the iconic Hasselblad tradition with a modern, exclusive design for a mirrorless system camera with a unique and unmistakable style. The carbon fiber model, the most recent arrival in October 2013, was the last out of five models to be placed on the market. Building on the momentum of the Lunar launch, the Stellar series, the second new line in Hasselblad’s luxury collection, was launched in July 2013. As the Lunar the Hasselblad Stellar redefines quality with its elegantly designed aluminum body and metal operation controls. The most precious materials are used to craft the ergonomic handgrip, making it a beautiful, yet powerful, pocket-sized camera. The Stellar is available in seven different designs complemented by three special editions since 1st November 2013. Due to their superior technology and outstanding design both Lunar and Stellar lines have generated very positive market feedback, high sales and received plenty of media coverage in high-circulation lifestyle, luxury, fashion and photography magazines. Several exclusive launch events worldwide with guests such as Buzz Aldrin, one of the first men to set foot on the moon in 1969, have brought international attention to the new Hasselblad products. In order to make the new cameras better available for customers and to increase brand awareness, a global marketing campaign was launched and the first Hasselblad flagship store was opened in Tokyo in September 2013. The past months underline that Hasselblad is making headway in implementing its structured expansion process. Both segments, high-end professional and luxury cameras, will see further product introductions in the upcoming months. About Hasselblad Founded in 1941 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Hasselblad has been the leading manufacturer and partner for photographers working in the medium format environment for over half a century, consistently providing the highest level of quality and innovation. The extraordinary quality of the company’s products became famous in 1962 when Hasselblad cameras were selected for NASA space missions, which resulted only a few years later in the first world-renowned images taken on the moon. Positive associations with Hasselblad’s past serve as the foundation for the company’s modern and energized brand and the design of its newly launched luxury cameras. In 2013, the Hasselblad H5D camera system was introduced. With its unique lens family and technological advancements, it is the most comprehensive and advanced high-end digital camera system for professionals and ambitious amateurs today. About Vorndran Mannheims Capital Vorndran Mannheims Capital, founded in 2000 under the name Ventizz Capital Partners, has offices in St. Gallen, Zurich, Düsseldorf and Vienna. VMCap is the exclusive advisor to the Ventizz Private Equity Funds, which provide growth capital and buyout financing for high tech companies in Western Europe. Five partners and a team of 8 additional professionals currently advise four funds with a total capital under management of EUR 675m. Ventizz Capital Fund IV L.P. is the largest of the four funds established so far. The Fund was closed at the end of 2007 after only six months of fundraising, during which EUR 450m were raised, making it one of the biggest private equity funds in the segment of growth capital and mid-size tech buyouts in the German-speaking region. VMCap Funds have invested in 47 companies to date, with a focus on the areas of renewable energy/clean tech, high-tech manufacturing industries, medical technology, and information and communication technology. In addition to a variety of trade sales, VMCap has so far floated four portfolio companies (ersol, SAF, PV Crystalox Solar and recently exceet) on European stock exchange markets. On the internet at: www.vmcap.com Press contact: Markus Wieser End of Media Release Issuer: Vorndran Mannheims Capital GmbH Key word(s): Enterprise 27.11.2013 Dissemination of a Press Release, transmitted by DGAP – a company of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. 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