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ZEISS has announced plans to spin off its Hunting & Nature division into a new independent company, which will be owned by German investment firm palero. The agreement was signed on February 24, 2026, and will see the ZEISS Hunting & Nature business separated from the ZEISS Group and established as an independent entity. palero will become the sole owner of the new company, while ZEISS will continue to license its brand to the business. Completion of the transaction is expected in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and completion of the spin-off process. Under the new structure, the business will continue to develop and market hunting and nature observation products under the ZEISS brand. Teams, functions and operational locations in Germany and other regions will transition to the newly established company. palero, a Munich-based investment firm with more than 15 years’ experience in corporate carve-outs and mid-sized company development, will lead the next phase of the business’s growth. The firm will work alongside the existing management team and employees to develop the company as an independent organisation. Stefan Hämmerle, CEO of ZEISS Hunting & Nature, said the new structure combines ZEISS technology with the flexibility of an independent company. "We bring together the best of both worlds – our strength in innovation and our product portfolio for analog optics and digital solutions as well as trail cameras with the advantages of an independent setup." The Hunting & Nature business will continue investing in research and development, product design and marketing across its portfolio, which includes premium optical products and digital solutions for hunting and wildlife observation. Hämmerle also confirmed that the company plans to introduce new products in multiple categories during 2026. "In 2026, we will launch new products in all four product categories: analog optics for the premium and mid-range segments, trail cameras and digital solutions. Collaboration with customers and partners, as well as service for hunting and nature enthusiasts, will continue to expand without interruption." Following the spin-off, the business will continue to operate globally, with strong market positions in North America, Europe and Asia. Both companies said the transaction aims to create a structure that allows closer customer engagement, faster decision-making and improved supply chain flexibility. The coming months will focus on preparing the organisational transition and establishing the new independent company ahead of the expected completion later in 2026. ZEISS, headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany, is a global technology company specialising in optics and optoelectronics. The group generated nearly €12 billion in revenue in its most recent fiscal year and operates across sectors including semiconductor manufacturing, medical technology, industrial metrology and consumer optics.