Corporate Milestones

Carl Zeiss opens a workshop for precision mechanics and optics in Jena

Ernst Abbe becomes part owner

Ernst Abbe creates the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation)

Start of diversification: new products lead to new businesses

First non-German subsidiary in London marks the start of global expansion

Formation of Group begins with the founding of Zeiss Ikon AG

Involved in arms build-up

Company in Jena expropriated; new company going by the name Carl Zeiss founded in Oberkochen: legal dispute over use of name and trademarks arises

Reunification of the two separated companies

Carl Zeiss is transformed into a stock corporation – Carl Zeiss Foundation remains sole shareholder