Panasonic and Leica AG reaffirm partnership with L2 alliance
Panasonic has signed a strategic alliance with Leica, which the two imaging companies are calling the L2 Alliance, or L². The new agreement will seek to 'unify the strengths of [the] two brands' and jointly develop new technologies under the name L2 Technology (L squared Technology).
The alliance is the latest step by the two companies to work together, following initial steps back in 2000. At the time, the companies signed a cooperation agreement for lenses and audio-visual equipment.
In 2001, a decision was made to expand the agreement and cooperate in the digital camera sector, and since then, the companies have steadily expanded their technological cooperation, with 2018's L-Mount Alliance between Leica Camera AG, Panasonic and Sigma the most recent evolution of the relationship.
Now, L² Technology, as it’s named, is a new, comprehensive, strategic collaboration agreement. It represents 'a symbol of the collaboration by combining the technologies and know-how of the two companies in the fields of new camera and lens products and next generation software, to create technologies and solutions that deliver new value in the new era.'
'With the arrival of an era in which photos and videos are shared globally in real-time, cameras are required to have capability to create more impressive and breathtaking expression. I have always been impressed by the high picture quality and the picture-making philosophy that Leica has developed over its long history,' said Akira Toyoshima, CEO of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.
'I am very pleased and excited to continue working with Leica to develop technology that will enable people around the world to share their emotions,' he added.