Konica Minolta announced on March 29 that it entered into a share-transfer agreement with major shareholder Dr. Ralf Hinkel Holding GmbH, and other shareholders, of Mobotix AG, a German manufacturer of video surveillance systems, including IP video systems. The share transfer will result in Konica Minolta holding approximately 65 percent of the share capital of Mobotix.
“Mobotix has a number of cutting-edge technologies including decentralized processing IP cameras, image data compression, and image data analytics technologies,” Konica Minolta said when it made the announcement. “In addition, Konica Minolta and Mobotix intend to enter into a collaboration agreement regarding future technological developments in the field.”
Konica Minolta described the following three achievements it expects to result from the Mobotix acquisition.
Provision of next-generation network security solutions through cooperation in proprietary technologies of both companies—Konica Minolta aims to provide next-generation decentralized network security solutions by leveraging its industrial optical systems, including the 3D-LiDAR to scan, without errors or failed reports, wide areas at a high-precision level based on its proprietary optical technology, and Mobotix’s decentralized processing IP cameras and video management software (VMS) with a diversified processor.
Development of workflow solutions across verticals—By using 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.
Broadening the distribution of Mobotix products and services—Konica Minolta will broaden the distribution of Mobotix products and their solution services by leveraging its global direct sales network and after-sales support and service systems.