Zeiss and Huawei Emerge as Potential Buyers for Minority Stake in Leica

German optics manufacturer Zeiss and Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei have emerged as the two front runners for the 45 percent stake in Leica that is currently up for sale. Presently held by buyout group Blackstone, the 45 percent stake is valued at approximately $375 million USD. Those interested in buying the stake will have to work out a deal not only with Blackstone but with the Kaufmann family as well, who are the owners of the rest of the company.

“ACM has long-term goals with Leica Camera,” Leica Chairman and managing director Andreas Kaufmann told Reuters in the original report. Kaufmann also added that he and his family are interested in maintaining an active interest in the company. The same report states that Zeiss is looking for a majority stake in the company, while Huawei, whose smartphone cameras are made by Leica, is the unlikely option in this scenario.