Originally posted by ogl I think Samsung won't leave camera business - they will stay in Korea and Asian markets, maybe Russia, but leave European market.
An announcement such as that from Samsung Germany (not being withdrawn by Andreas Wahlich up to today) is desastrous to global sales.
Therefore, there must have been a Corporate Decsision. To leave markets as they stop to make profit. Which will be all sooner or later.
I remember the days of the Samsung X25 notebook. Which was a stunning product well ahead of their competition. Sold in Europe but not yet in the US. Therefore, I assume that for Samsung, Europe often sets the trend for the US market. Which is funny as normally, it is the other way around
Generally, I am always surprised to observe how easily giant corporations kill entire segments of their business. Like Siemens for cell phones or semiconductor, or IBM for laptops and disks. Samsung to kill their camera business wouldn't surprise me much -- esp. as in the past they did obviously believe to become a market leader.
BTW, that's my biggest concern with players like Panasonic, Sony and frankly, Ricoh. They can kill their camera business any day and never look back.