The writing instrument manufacturer Lamy was family-owned until recently. The company is now being taken over by the Japanese company Mitsubishi Pencil Company. But it should remain “Made in Germany”.
The well-known writing instrument manufacturer Lamy goes Japanese. The Heidelberg-based company announced today that after an extensive search, it had found a buyer for the owner family’s shares: the Japanese company Mitsubishi Pencil Company. A spokeswoman did not provide any information about the purchase price.
According to Lamy, it employs more than 340 people and is represented in 80 countries. The family business is one of the leading brands of writing instruments. It was founded in 1930 and is now run by the third generation. In Germany, the company claims to be the market leader in stationery.
Looking for a “strong partner”
The company stated in a statement that it was looking for a “strong partner for the further development of the growth area of digital writing and for the expansion of international sales” as reasons for the sale. The future owner Mitsubishi Pencil has promised to keep Lamy’s headquarters and production at the Heidelberg location. Investments have also been promised.
“Made in Germany” will “continue to play a decisive role. That was and is of utmost importance to us,” said co-partner Markus Lamy. Mitsubishi Pencil is the significantly larger company with 2,700 employees. It has no connection with the Japanese conglomerate, which also owns the Mitsubishi car brand.