The Hamelin Group, a world leader in writing, school and office supplies, is opening up its capital for the first time and welcoming Crédit Mutuel Equity to accelerate its growth. In a strong sign of mutual trust, Crédit Mutuel Equity is investing alongside the Hamelin family, which retains a large majority of the capital, and the management team. This capital increase aimed at seizing targeted opportunities to further consolidate the market.
Founded in Caen by Ernest Hamelin, the Hamelin Group is a fine example of French entrepreneurship. For over 160 years, the company has remained true to its Norman roots whilst establishing itself as a global leader in stationery and writing instruments, thanks to a dynamic external growth model and an industrial culture of excellence. Today, the group, led by Eric Joan, Chairman of the Executive Board, generates turnover of around € 600 million, employs over 3,000 people worldwide and markets internationally recognised brands, including Oxford, Pelikan, Unilux, Elba, Bantex and Conquérant.
The acquisition of Pelikan in 2023 marked a pivotal milestone in the group’s development. This transaction enabled Hamelin to scale up, significantly expanding its geographical reach and enriching its product range. It demonstrates the group’s ability to integrate iconic brands whilst preserving their identity and positioning.
Today, the group operates 11 production sites across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, enabling it to serve customers in over 140 countries.
Through this transaction, the Hamelin family aims to accelerate the company’s growth whilst retaining its family-owned character. In this context, Crédit Mutuel Equity emerges as a natural partner, recognised for its long-term support of family-owned businesses. The capital increase will enable the group to pursue this ambitious build-up strategy through targeted acquisitions in markets covering complementary geographies and to strengthen its industrial capabilities.
The group’s growth prospects are rooted in a global stationery and writing market driven by the rise of innovative solutions, as well as demographic growth in emerging markets. With its solid fundamentals, portfolio of powerful brands and the support of its new partner, the group is ideally positioned to continue its growth trajectory and strengthen its leadership on an international scale.