Konica Minolta Inc. has acquired a majority stake in Mobotix AG, which specializes in video surveillance systems. The move could empower Konica Minolta's IT services business (All Covered) with IP cameras, image data compression, and image data analytics technologies. The overall takeaway: All Covered's IT service providers could leverage a new generation of physical and IT security solutions.

By gaining majority control of Mobotix, Konica Minolta intends to achieve the following objectives, according to a statement from the company:

  • Goal 1: Provision of next-generation network security solutions through cooperation in proprietary technologies of both companies.
    ChannelE2E says: Keep an eye on network security solutions that include industrial optical systems and 3D-LiDAR technology, IP cameras and video management software (VMS).
  • Goal 2: Develop workflow solutions across verticals. An example includes so-called “Care Support Solutions” for monitoring residents at nursing care homes, or the solutions for monitoring workflow at manufacturing facilities that can help their workflow innovation.
    ChannelE2E says: All Covered has acquired IT services providers in the healthcare vertical... and other verticals...
  • Goal 3: Broaden the distribution of MOBOTIX products and services. ChannelE2E says: Many of All Covered's IT service providers also are resellers...

Konica Minolta, All Covered M&A Strategy

Konica Minolta and its All Covered business have remained in M&A mode for several years. In fact, several IT service providers that All Covered acquired last year will surface on the ChannelE2E 100 -- tracking the top entrepreneurs, startups and exits -- when that list debuts tomorrow (Thursday, March 31).

And earlier this year, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. acquired Meridian Imaging Solutions, a hybrid company with Managed Print and IT Services, in an effort to expand its footprint in the Washington, D.C., area. Meridian has roughly 115 employees.

The overall Konica Minolta business has more than 8,000 employees worldwide, and invests more than $500 million annually in research and development, the company says.