Mamiya exiting digital camera business?

Engadget has published rumors that Mamiya is getting out of the digital camera business due to "stagnant sales" of it's models. It appears that a deal with Cosmos Scientific is in the works, possibly to close on September 1st.

A statement from Mamiya addressing these rumors is due at any moment, so stay tuned for further details.

NEW DETAILS - Confirmed. Click on the headline of this article to see the statement from JP Distribution.

STATEMENT:

"We have been informed by Mamiya-OP Co., Ltd. that they are to transfer their Optical Equipment Business to Cosmo Digital Imaging Co., Ltd.

The Board of Directors have approved a contract to sell the entirety of the optical instruments business section to Cosmos Scientific Systems Inc. The plan will be put before shareholders at a general meeting scheduled for June 29th, 2006 - and if approval is gained, the transaction will be concluded on September 1st 2006.

This is a positive move for the Mamiya brand. The integration of Mamiya's design and manufacturing techniques with Cosmo's digital technology will enable the new organisation to fully exploit future growth opportunities.

Mamiya have confirmed that their forward plans include both professional medium format film and digital cameras."