No one can argue of Kodak’s eminent history throughout it’s over 130 years in business. But sadly, nothing lasts forever. Regardless of how glorious, how well-celebrated at one point, everything is doomed to fall as history unfolds. Over the last few years, Kodak has dealt with the harsh realities brought about by the shifting tides in the imaging industry and global tech in general.

As Kodak bids us farewell, here’s an infographic (see below) showing the company’s legacy over its century-old reign. Amidst all the uncertainty, the thing that we can firmly hold on to is the fact that Kodak did change the world. It made the once expensive hobby of photography cheaper, smaller, easier, and better.  We also have Kodak to thank for digital cameras, even though the technology has surpassed Kodak’s industry hold with the rise of smartphones.

Camera industry stumbles

Aside from Kodak, another tech giant, JVC Kenwood, strives hereon as Panasonic decides to cut ties with them. Panasonic has been a partner of Japan’s Victor Co. since 1954. The latter decided to merge with Kenwood in 2008 to form JVC Kenwood. Panasonic is by far JVC Kenwood’s largest shareholder and business partner, which will sell it 24,225,400 shares, subsequently plunging from 19.28 percent shares as of September 30, 2011 to 1.75 percent. The price of the shares will be determined between January 17 and 19.

Sales will commence this month and the move seems to imply that Panasonic will eventually sell all of its remaining shares at JVC Kenwood in the future.

A Snapshot of Kodak’s History