the interview Canon aims to mirror A Ray Mauritsson, CEO of Axis Communications, interviewed by Detektor. Detektor magazine met up with Axis CEO Ray Mauritsson to discuss Canon, challenges in the emerging markets and new products. He is enjoying the fact that Canon has taken over in the boardroom. “There have not been any dramatic changes”, says Ray Mauritsson. By Henrik Söderlund What was your reaction when it became clear that Canon would bid on Axis? “My reaction was that there was much logic to it. Historically, it has been important for Axis to have owners who prioritise longterm growth rather than shortterm quarterly results. Canon has a very strong reputation for being long-term, and they differ from some of their Japanese competitors in that they have not sold technology components to third parties. As we have come into the group, we get access to those components and that broadens our base of available sensors and lenses, which is attractive for us. All listed companies have a price tag, and you need to be prepared for that. For me it has not been dramatic.” How has your job changed? “Not much to be honest. We have a new majority owner and there are some new people on the board and that means new interaction for me, but for Axis as a company really nothing has changed.” Axis founder Martin Gren has described the acquisition as rational, but very sad. It seems like you do not agree? “Both yes and no. I agree that there is much rationality in the acquisition, but for me it is not sad – I like change. But as the founder of the company, the situation is of course different for Martin.” There are political problems, currency challenges and in China two large competitors have performed amazingly well. Canon has promised that things will remain as they are. “Yes, and not only promised, they have guaranteed it, I would say. It is very logical – if you look at it from Canon’s point of view, they have bought a company that has been very successful in an area, which they want to succeed in, and so they will not use their own methods or structures to manage it. The logic is that they want to mirror the approach we have used in order to succeed in the same way.” How do you cooperate with Canon? “We have different product portfolios and are competitors on the market. However, how it will develop long term, I cannot really Security News Every Day – www. securityworldhotel.com 32 • d etektor internati onal