LEICA CAMERA AG NOMINATED AS "ENTRPRENEUR OF THE YEAR."

 Solms (ots) - For the 17th time, the accounting and consulting firm Ernst & Young awarded the best medium entrepreneur in Germany "Entrepreneur of the Year" award. From the 58 finalists in five categories, Leica Camera AG went through a rigorous selection process in the consumer goods category and emerged as the winner. The business award was handed over at a ceremony at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt yesterday evening. Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, principal shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Leica Camera AG, and Alfred Schopf, CEO, were also nominated as the German representatives to the international competition "World Entrepreneur of the Year 2014. The award ceremony will take place on 7 June 2014 in Monte Carlo.

The independent jury of renowned industry experts praised their selectiont for the impressive growth rates, the high technological innovation, the efficient organizational structurr, strong customer relationships and the social commitment of the companiy. A key decision criterion of the jury was the willingness to invest and the ability of the company to respond quickly to changing market conditions with innovative products and services.

Alfred Schopf, CEO of Leica Camera AG: "The award shows once again that we have taken the courageous digitization of our products the right way. The potential of the Leica brand and their staff not only lies in the power of innovation, but also in the ability to successfully implement these innovations. It require the contribution of a dedicated and highly qualified staff to which my special thanks go at this point."

Dr. Andreas Kaufmann, principal shareholder and Chairman of the Board of Leica Camera AG: "Entrepreneurship is about taking responsibility and creating value. Short-term sales records and profit per se do not generate lasting value, it requires a high level of technological innovation, investment readiness, social commitment and desire for change.  With a hundred years of heritage the tradition of the Leica brand remains and demands that we are successfully facing the challenges of global markets more than ever."