1945

Partial destruction of the Jena factory during the war. US troops take 126 management staff and scientists with them to their occupation zone

1946

In the newly founded firm "Optische Werke Oberkochen" – later to become Carl Zeiss – the deported managers continue to operate the foundation enterprise

1948

Expropriation of the Zeiss and Schott factories of the Carl Zeiss Foundation in Jena. Both become state-owned enterprises: VEB (people’s enterprise) Carl Zeiss JENA and VEB Jenaer Glaswerk

1949

Heidenheim becomes the legal domicile of the Carl Zeiss Foundation. The Zeiss companies in the East and West develop into technology leaders in optics in their respective hemispheres

1965

VEB Carl Zeiss JENA becomes the leading enterprise for precision mechanical and optical products in East Germany. Introduction of combine formation

1971

London agreement between the two companies governing the use of names and trademarks containing the component "Zeiss"