Would Olympus Offload Its Struggling Camera Business?

Reuters is reporting that US-based investment firm TPG Capital has expressed interest in pouring $1 billion into Olympus in a joint deal, and has notified other possible suitors including Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, and Panasonic.

Nearly all of Olympus’ profits are generated from its dominant 70 percent share of the global market for flexible diagnostic endoscopes. The steady cash flow from that business has allowed it to prop up its digital camera business, which is on course to lose money for a second straight year.

TPG would consider taking over the other less desirable parts of the firm to facilitate a deal. This could include the digital camera operation, which is in need of a major overhaul, including job cuts, the person said.

It’s interesting that the camera division is one of the “less desirable parts” of Olympus, since that’s what most consumers know the company for.

TPG willing to invest $1 billion in Olympus [Reuters]

Image credit: OLYMPUS E-P1 by DORONKO