Ernst & Young, the accounting and advisory company, named Leica Camera AG winner of its 17th annual German “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. Leica was selected from 58 finalists. The award was presented at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt.

The independent jury of prominent business experts credited Leica’s impressive growth, innovation, organization, strong customer loyalty, social commitment, willingness to invest and the ability of the company to respond quickly to changing market conditions with innovative products and services.

Alfred Schopf, Chairman of the Executive Board at Leica Camera AG, said, “The potential of the Leica brand lies in our ability to successfully implement innovations. This would be impossible without our dedicated and highly-qualified colleagues.”

Andreas Kaufmann, majority shareholder and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Leica Camera AG, said, “Entrepreneurship means assuming responsibility and creating value. Short-term revenue and profits alone cannot generate enduring values. What is essential is a high degree of willingness to innovate and invest in technologies, social commitment and the will to change. Although steeped in the traditions of a legacy reaching back almost one hundred years, the Leica brand continues to be open to change and is, in view of the challenges of a global market, better prepared than ever before for continuing success.”

Leica skillfully moved from almost 100 years of analog photography to digital. The new Leica M is built in Solms, with a Leica designed full frame sensor manufactured in France. Leica Camera’s range of new products continues at an impressive rate.