January 7, 2021 – Olympus Corporation and Hitachi, Ltd. have signed a five year contract to jointly develop Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems (EUS). Under the contract, Hitachi will continue to supply diagnostic ultrasound systems and related parts used in EUS to Olympus.
Hitachi’s diagnostic imaging-related business is expected to be transferred to FUJIFILM Corporation, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. The agreement between Hitachi and Olympus will be valid after the transfer.
Hironobu Kawano, Division Head of the Endoscopic Solutions Division, Olympus Corporation, said, “Olympus aims to improve patients’ quality of life through early diagnosis made available with Endoscopic Ultrasound Systems. Our long-standing partnership with Hitachi has built a strong foundation of products and technology development for endoscopic ultrasound diagnosis, and we are very excited to be able to continue this collaboration and contribute further to improving patients’ lives. Through this ongoing collaboration, Hitachi and Olympus will introduce products and technology that address the needs of the patients, healthcare professionals and the broader medical industry.”