Skip to main content
Photonics & Optics
back
Back to overview
Press release

ZEISS Outdoor Launches with a New Corporate Structure

30 September 2026 · 3 min read
Page Content
Press contact

Effective October 1, 2026, the ZEISS Outdoor business, specializing in optics for hunting, nature observation, and birding, operates as an independent company under new ownership as VALYRA GmbH in Aalen. The products, services and innovations will continue to be marketed worldwide under the ZEISS brand.


Oberkochen, Germany | 30 September 2026 | ZEISS Photonics & Optics

In February 2026, ZEISS and palero signed an agreement to restructure the Hunting & Nature business. Since 1st October 2026, VALYRA GmbH, headquartered in Aalen, Germany, and subsidiaries worldwide, has been operating the Hunting & Nature business as an independent and owner-managed company. The management team and the existing employees of ZEISS Hunting & Nature have moved to the new company. As part of a professional transition, a new infrastructure was created at the new headquarters as well as at the international sales and service locations and additional positions were created for central functions such as product management, marketing, IT and administration. This gives VALYRA a powerful, effective organization to chase its ambitious growth targets in a market shaped by focused and mid-sized companies.

"Our innovative strength, an unconditional customer focus and an agile and entrepreneurial environment put us in a position to implement our growth strategy," says Stefan Hämmerle, CEO of VALYRA GmbH. "After this year's successful product launches – including the Conquest Apia 65, the V3 riflescope developed for the US market and the expansion of digital offerings – we will bring further innovations to the market in the coming weeks and months. The innovation pipeline is also well filled for 2027, in all four product categories: analogue optics for the premium and mid-range segments, trail cameras and digital solutions. The cooperation with customers and partners as well as the service for hunting and nature lovers will continue to be expanded without interruption."

Continuing to be present worldwide: ZEISS products for hunting, nature observation and birding

ZEISS licenses its brand to VALYRA on a long-term basis – all products and services for hunting, nature observation and birding are developed by VALYRA and continue to be sold under the ZEISS brand. "The ZEISS brand stands for unique tradition and innovative strength in binoculars, sports and hunting optics as well as digital offerings," emphasizes Stefan Hämmerle. "The continuation of this rich history and the consistent implementation of the strategy focused on innovation and growth is the perfect prerequisite for the long-term success of the new company".

"Our sincere thanks go to the ZEISS team, palero and, above all, to all colleagues who made the successful launch of VALYRA possible. All teams that switch to VALYRA will continue to work with a passion for hunting and nature observation on innovations and excellent service for our customers worldwide"

Press Contact Nicole Tait VALYRA
Press Contact Joachim Kuss ZEISS Photonics & Optics

About ZEISS

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the fields of optics and optoelectronics. In the previous fiscal year, the ZEISS Group generated annual revenue totaling almost 12 billion euros in its four segments Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, and Consumer Markets (September 30, 2025).

For its customers, ZEISS develops, produces, and distributes highly innovative solutions for industrial metrology and quality assurance, microscopy solutions for the life sciences and materials research, and medical technology solutions for diagnostics and treatment in ophthalmology and microsurgery. The name ZEISS is also synonymous with the world's leading lithography optics, which are used by the chip industry to manufacture semiconductor components. There is global demand for trendsetting ZEISS brand products such as eyeglass lenses, camera lenses, and binoculars.

With a portfolio aligned with future growth areas like digitalization, healthcare, and Smart Production and a strong brand, ZEISS is shaping the future of technology and constantly advancing the world of optics and related fields with its solutions. The company's significant, sustainable investments in research and development lay the foundation for the success and continued expansion of ZEISS' technology and market leadership. ZEISS invests 14 percent of its revenue in research and development – this high level of expenditure has a long tradition at ZEISS and is also an investment in the future.

With over 47,400 employees, ZEISS is active globally in around 50 countries with more than 60 sales and service locations, around 40 research and development facilities, and 30 production facilities worldwide (March 31, 2026). Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. The Carl Zeiss Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Germany committed to the promotion of science, is the sole owner of the holding company, Carl Zeiss AG.

Further information at www.zeiss.com

About Photonics & Optics

ZEISS, a leading provider of optical and optoelectronic technologies, brings together business units outside of its segments in the strategic business urea of Photonics & Optics, based in Oberkochen and Jena. This area offers customers worldwide a wide range of optical and photonic technologies in highly specialized markets: Mobile Imaging, Hunting & Nature, Cinematography, Microoptics, Spectroscopy, Planetarium, and Simulation Projection Solutions. By bringing these various business areas together under one roof, ZEISS creates a home for these highly specialized businesses, allowing them to focus entirely on their technology and market development and the success of their customers.

About VALYRA

VALYRA is an independent company specializing in outdoor equipment and an exclusive licensee for the development, manufacture, and distribution of ZEISS products for hunting, nature observation, and birdwatching under the ZEISS brand.
VALYRA stands for precision, quality, and continuous innovation in optical and digital technologies. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes, thermal imaging devices, trail cameras, and digital applications, enabling users to experience and connect with nature in new and more immersive ways.
All products meet the high standards of precision, innovation, and quality associated with the ZEISS brand. Headquartered in Aalen, Germany, VALYRA is an internationally operating outdoor company with sales and service organizations around the world. As a recognized innovation partner, the company is committed to delivering premium solutions that combine outstanding performance, reliability, and a strong focus on user needs.

For more information, see www.valyra.com

About palero

palero is an independent Munich-based investment company which pursues an operational value creation approach. The group currently holds a portfolio of several integrated groups with numerous companies in different industries. palero is exclusively advised by palero Capital GmbH, which was the first German small-cap fund advisor to sign the principles for responsible investment set out by the UN (www.unpri.org). These principles are followed in investments in companies and their management.

For more information, see www.palero.de.