[Leica] (off topic) Linhof

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

The Leica of Large Format... The following is hot off the BJP press:

"Germany: Following months of uncertainty and a number of rumours, the
Linhof company has a new owner, writes Jon Tarrant. In a move that contains
elements of a merger, Linhof Präzisions Kamera Werke has been sold to the
German entrepreneur and self-made industrialist Peter Bauern-Schmit. The
new company, Linhof Präzisions System Technik Ltd, is headed by former
Linhof MD Heinz Broker, and the management structure is expected to be
largely unchanged. 

The deal was finalised at the end of November and has been widely greeted
with delight by those immediately affected. Paula Pell-Johnson of Linhof &
Studio, the brand's UK distributor, tells BJP: 'Everybody really is quite
excited. It gets the company back on track for the future.' Commenting on
possible developments, she predicts that the new owner will push forward
with R&D in directions that will become apparent in a few years time.
Further backing for the deal came from Sir Kenneth Corfield, who has acted
in an advisory role for Linhof during the past, and who will very probably
continue to do so in some way in the future. "

Jim