Who, in the Maltese photographic circles, has not had the pleasure of meeting Michael Azzopardi, or "Mike" as he is affectionately known. Michael Azzopardi and his company O & V Ltd are surely household names in local photographic circles and, as a lot of people can testify, are a pleasure to do business with.

Originally, established at Oxford Studio in Paola Square, in 1946 the company also took over the Vandyck Studio in Valletta. Subsequently, after a number of years operating from Valletta, Malta's capital they moved to their present showroom and office blocks in Birkirkara.

In 1973, O & V Ltd shifted their main business to importing photography related goods and the list of world-renowned trade names they have been associated with is impressive: Linhof (in 1948), Tetenal (1950), Polaroid (1958), Varta (1961) and Broncolor (1979) and all still presently marketed by O & V.

Remarkably, O & V, are Polaroid's longest standing distributors in the world! This was recently acknowledged during Photokina '96 in Germany, where Mr. Azzopardi was presented with a memento to commemorate the event. Also present was the Chairman and CEO of Polaroid Corporation, Mr. Gary DiCamillo.

In the last 7 - 8 years the company diversified its business in other lines, mainly in the importation and distribution of educational equipment and materials.

The company is also investing in the future by introducing new blood in the form of Mike's daughter Mariella who has since 1990 been an active director as well as Mr. Edward Magro, who is the current manager.

This young generation coupled with Mike's insight and experience will definitely help in contributing to the O & V success story. This augurs for all those who do business with O & V.