Here's my take on this.
I've been expecting this for some time now. In many cases a strong distribution partner rarely makes a good long-term owner. They are often a source of a cash infusion, but their financial culture is usually too focused on regional skews and more immediate spread-sheet indicators as opposed to longer-term global market vision and product development.
Global marketing, while ubiquitous is still something of a wild-west scenario. Again, cultural differences can and often do, make for strange bed fellows. This recent sale of Hasselblad bodes well because Ventizz Capital Partners AG is an investment firm that is: 1) Northern European based for a cultural synergy, and 2) specializes in growth strategies for mid-sized technology based investments. It also bodes well that Shriro will continue its involvement with its chairman serving on Hasselblad's supervisory board because Asia represents a powerful growth market potential.
As to the antiquated notion of low/mid/high culture product orientations ... one need only look to the
really successful global companies to debunk that "charming" myth. The Canon Rebels and P&S are what fund the EOS 1DsMKIII and will do so for the next EOS 1DsMKIV. Same for Nikon, Same for Sony (the game changer). I personally don't feel soiled when picking up a $8,000. Pro spec Canon because some house-wife in Nj has a $800 Canon with the same brand name on it ... nor does a Leica rebadged P&S sully my M9
I seriously doubt anyone else does either.
So, what is quite interesting is the quote from Dr. Helmut Vorndran, CEO of Ventizz:
" ... with solid financial support and a suitable growth strategy Ventizz can further strengthen Hasselblad's position as the first class producer of MFD systems. Furthermore, we plan to develop Hasselblad cameras that appeal to a wider circle of ambitious photographers." This speaks to a longer term mind-set.
To me that doesn't mean a single minded drive toward 300 meg Multi-Shot or 100 meg single shot back and the narrow corresponding "rarified" circle of niche applications. It means a broader product offering with brand commonalities and practical innovations at various price-points ... but targeted to "ambitious photographers" ... which means maintaining the Brand essence and positioning as a top maker of photographic tools albeit for a broader audience ... not unlike what Leica has begun to do, and is about to unleash on the market, with an even more diverse product offering while maintaining its core Brand essence ... and who now is making enough money to do just that.
-Marc
BTW, a digital X-Pan sure wouldn't break my heart, nor would a smaller DSLR type dual shutter body like the S2 that took my HC lenses
Lots of possibilities when you open it up beyond the narrow niche thinking and grip on the past that dominates MFD today. Time will tell.