While Olympus Corporation remains an independent, publicly traded global company, its well-known imaging business (cameras, audio recorders, and binoculars) is now primarily owned by Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) through its specially established subsidiary, OJ Holdings, Ltd. This significant change occurred as part of a strategic divestment by Olympus Corporation.
The Ownership of Olympus's Imaging Business
The direct answer to who owns the imaging division that once belonged to Olympus is:
- OM Digital Solutions, the company that now handles the former Olympus camera and audio product lines, is predominantly owned by OJ Holdings, Ltd., which is a subsidiary of Japan Industrial Partners (JIP).
This transition was formally completed on January 1, 2021, when 95% of the shares in OM Digital Solutions were transferred to OJ Holdings, Ltd. This move effectively separated Olympus's consumer imaging products from its core medical and scientific solutions businesses.
Understanding the Key Entities
To clarify the ownership structure, here's a breakdown of the key players:
- Olympus Corporation: This is the parent company that originally encompassed all business divisions, including imaging. Post-2021, Olympus Corporation has strategically shifted its focus to become a leading global medtech company, specializing in medical and scientific solutions. It remains a publicly traded company.
- OM Digital Solutions: This company was formed to take over Olympus's imaging business, including the development, manufacturing, and sales of cameras, audio recorders, and binoculars. It continues to utilize brand names such as OM System (which includes former Olympus-branded cameras).
- Japan Industrial Partners (JIP): A Japanese private equity firm known for restructuring and revitalizing businesses. JIP acquired the majority stake in OM Digital Solutions, demonstrating its commitment to the future of the imaging business.
- OJ Holdings, Ltd.: A subsidiary specifically established by Japan Industrial Partners to facilitate the acquisition of OM Digital Solutions.
Overview of Ownership Structure
| Entity | Primary Ownership/Status | Business Focus (Post-2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Olympus Corporation | Publicly traded; diverse shareholders | Medical technology, scientific solutions, industrial solutions |
| OM Digital Solutions | Primarily OJ Holdings, Ltd. (a subsidiary of Japan Industrial Partners) | Imaging products (digital cameras, audio recorders, binoculars) |
In essence, while the "Olympus" name is still associated with various products, particularly in the medical field, the iconic Olympus camera and audio brand is now under the stewardship of OM Digital Solutions, with Japan Industrial Partners as its principal owner.
