Mobotix to Be Acquired by Office Equipment Supplier Konica Minolta

The deal is estimated to be between $177 million to $265 million.

TOKYO – Office equipment provider Konica Minolta is entering the physical security space with its acquisition of Mobotix, a manufacturer of video surveillance cameras and solutions.

Konica Minolta, based here, said it is purchasing approximately 65% of Mobotix shares from company founder Ralf Hinkel and other shareholders. The deal is estimated between $177 million to $265 million, according to the Nikkei Asian Review.

Founded in 1999, Germany-based Mobotix specializes in megapixel IP cameras, 360-degree technology,  video management software (VMS) and video analytics. Konica Minolta has particular interest in the company’s image analysis capability, according to a press release.

Mobotix generated sales of $90.1 million in the year ended September 2015. About 60% of its revenue came from Europe. The camera maker’s products will be marketed globally via Konica Minolta’s sales channels. Among its plans for Mobotix’ wares, Konica Minolta will work to broaden the application of its image analysis technologies to other areas, such as monitoring assisted living facilities. The press release states:

By utilizing the technology of both Mobotix’s decentralized processing IP cameras and VMS with Konica Minolta’s image sensing system, Konica Minolta will drive development of new products such as “Care Support Solutions” for monitoring residents at nursing care homes, or the solutions for monitoring workflow at manufacturing facilities that can help their workflow innovation.

The transaction continues a consolidation trend in the security industry, and entrance to the space by an outside player with deep pockets. For Konica Minolta the acquisition is an attempt to diversify beyond its sluggish office equipment operations, according to Nikkei Asian Review.

The market for office equipment – Konica Minolta’s main business – is maturing both in Japan and abroad. Faced with intense competition, the company’s group operating profit shrank 12% on the year in the April-December period to 41.5 billion yen, according to the report.

SSI continues to report this story.

If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!

About the Author

Contact:

Although Bosch’s name is quite familiar to those in the security industry, his previous experience has been in daily newspaper journalism. Prior to joining SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION in 2006, he spent 15 years with the Los Angeles Times, where he performed a wide assortment of editorial responsibilities, including feature and metro department assignments as well as content producing for latimes.com. Bosch is a graduate of California State University, Fresno with a degree in Mass Communication & Journalism. In 2007, he successfully completed the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association’s National Training School coursework to become a Certified Level I Alarm Technician.

Security Is Our Business, Too

For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.

A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.

Subscribe Today!

Get Our Newsletters