No, Olympus is NOT selling their camera business

Rumours were flying earlier this month out of Japan saying that Olympus wasn’t having a great time right now. In fact, they suggested Olympus was having such a bad time that they were considering leaving the digital camera market.

Well, now, according to a report on SankeiBiz, the Olympus president-elect, Yasuo Takeuchi, has stated with a pretty emphatic no, that Olympus will not be closing down its imaging business.

The image technology we have cultivated for about 70 years is also effective in other fields. We know that production know-how such as cameras will be useful for expanding mass-produced therapeutic equipment.

So, while the Olympus camera market might not be doing as well as their medical business, it’s still vital to its medical operations. And as Olympus’ main income comes from its microscope and endoscope equipment, the camera division is going nowhere. As long as Olympus is around and still providing for the medical field, it will also be producing cameras.

According to Digital Camera World, the initial rumour came about after a report in the Japanese Business Journal leading to speculation following the decision to give a seat on the board to American D Robert Hale. Hale is a partner in California-based ValueAct Capital – which just happens to be Olympus’ largest shareholder with a 5.4% stake in the company.

But, no. Micro Four Thirds shooters can rest easy. Olympus is not selling their camera business.

[via 4/3 rumors]