Sony said to acquire lens manufacturer for $1.2 billion

According to information obtained by Diamond Online Japan from sources within Sony, the Japanese technology conglomerate is reportedly planning to acquire Tamron for approximately ¥200 billion, which is equivalent to about $1.2 billion. Tamron currently has a market capitalization of ¥193.69 billion. Neither Sony nor Tamron has yet confirmed or denied this report.

Sony already holds about 15 percent of Tamron’s shares. A takeover would give Sony control over Tamron’s popular lens portfolio, which currently includes not only lenses for Sony cameras such as the Sony A7 IV ($1,998 on Amazon), but also lenses for the Nikon Z, Canon RF, and Fujifilm X systems. Tamron is best known for its fast zoom lenses, ranging from the ultra-wide 12–20 mm f/2.8 to the versatile 35–150 mm f/2.0–2.8. However, the manufacturer also offers prime lenses, such as the 90 mm f/2.8 macro lens or the compact 20 mm f/2.8, which features an exceptionally short minimum focusing distance.

While an acquisition could significantly strengthen the Sony Alpha camera system, it is conceivable that Tamron lenses would no longer be offered for cameras from other manufacturers following a takeover by Sony, which could limit the lens selection for users of Nikon, Fujifilm, or Canon cameras. Completing an acquisition of this magnitude typically takes several months to years and requires approval from antitrust authorities.