Olympus announced today that it agreed to a new business alliance with Sony over medical devices — specifically endoscopes.
The two companies first entered into a collaboration in September 2012, establishing Sony Olympus Medical Solutions. The joint venture aimed to combine Olympus’ lens and optical technologies, plus brand and R&D, with Sony’s broad range of technologies. That includes Sony’s digital imaging solutions.
Together, the companies aimed to create new products and business that “contribute to the development of the healthcare system.” They managed to develop three products so far and now seek to strengthen their agreement to further expand the collaboration.
Olympus said the scope of the 2012 agreement covers surgical endoscopes with 4k (or higher) resolution or 3D function. The companies now aim to expand to next-generation gastrointestinal and respiratory endoscopes. In particular, they hope to strengthen software development capabilities
For product development of next-generation scopes, Olympus expects Sony to provide technology and know-how. They aim to develop an imaging platform for these scopes and delegate a portion of the development to Sony Olympus Medical Solutions.
The company expects an immaterial impact on financial results for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024. It expects contributions to improving financial results and corporate value in the medium- to long-term.
“Through the business alliance, Olympus expects to contribute to elevating the standard of care and continue to enhance its corporate value,” the company said in a news release.
