Shriro Group major shareholder in Victor Hasselblad AB the Swedish camera manufacturer

In January 2003, The Shriro Group acquired a majority shareholding in Hasselblad, the Gothenburg based Swedish camera manufacturer.

At the time of purchase, Michael Binns, the Shriro group Managing Director said, "We have been the distributors for Hasselblad in Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore and Malaysia for over 45 years, and we have a great deal of respect for Hasselblad in both their commercial and engineering capabilities." Hasselblad had at that time also just launched the extremely successful new 'H' camera system and moved into new custom built office, manufacturing and warehouse facilities. "This, coupled with the change of ownership, signals a significant step forward for the company," added Michael Binns.

Shriro is a 90 years old family owned business in sales, marketing, distribution and manufacturing of many well-known international brands. The company has its main operations in the Asia Pacific region with its head office in Hong Kong.

The Hasselblad family started its company in 1841. For over half a century, Hasselblad cameras have been the preferred tools of discerning photographers the world over. Hasselblad cameras were the first cameras on the moon, (and many are still up there!), and are renowned for their outstanding image quality, long life and rugged durability.

Hasselblad produces and markets three distinct camera systems: The legendary Hasselblad 6x6 V system, with its classic compact design and unmatched adaptability, still the most comprehensive medium format system in the world; the unique dual-format Hasselblad XPan, which takes full, unmasked panorama or standard 35mm shots on the same roll of 35mm film; and the new, auto focus 645 Hasselblad H System, which seamlessly combines film, digital, and slide photography and provides a level of user-friendliness previously found only in 35 mm SLR cameras. The H1 camera, which took nearly 6 years to develop from "idea" to "finished product" takes medium format photographic technology to a new level.

Over 97% of Hasselblad's products are exported for sale in overseas markets and the company has offices, distributors, service outlets and representatives worldwide.

No major changes are planned in the traditional Hasselblad business philosophy and production remains in Sweden together with the management team headed by Mr. Lars Pappila, President and CEO of the company.

At a briefing to all the company employees to announce the change of ownership, Michael Binns said "We welcome everyone in Hasselblad into the Shriro group, and look forward to a long and successful co operation and partnership in the future."


For more information please visit www.hasselblad.com.