- Business
- F.I.L.A. - Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A. F.I.L.A. - Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A. manufactures and distributes creative tools including coloring, drawing, modeling, writing, and painting products such as colored and graphite pencils; wax and oil pastels; markers; tempera and watercolors; chalks and glues; drawing and painting paper; colored cardboard and decorative panels; play and modeling clay; watercolor, drawing, and sketch paper; art printing and photographic paper; oil and acrylic colors; restoration colors; canvases and brushes; papers for creative activities; colors for glass, fabric, and ceramics; decoration items; writing instruments; highlighters; multi-purpose paper and cardboard; professional pencils; multi-surface markers and pastels; and industrial chalks, serving school, fine arts, hobby and craft, office, and industry segments. The company operates a portfolio of over 25 iconic brands including GIOTTO, DAS, LYRA, Canson, Maimeri, Daler-Rowney, Lukas, Ticonderoga, Pacon, Strathmore, Princeton, Arches, DOMS, Pongo, Dido, Tratto, Prang, Dixon, Vinci, Blancanieves, and Mapita, with products distributed in more than 150 countries across five continents through 32 branches and 22 production facilities. Founded in 1920 in Florence and headquartered in Pero, Italy, F.I.L.A. - Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini S.p.A. employs approximately 3,263 people and maintains vertical integration in manufacturing. In November 2025, the company signed a binding agreement to acquire 100% of Seven S.p.A., Italy's leader in backpacks, pencil cases, bags, and stationery under brands like Seven, Mitama, Invicta, and SJ Gang, for €53.7 million in phased payments through 2028, with closing of the initial 51% stake by January 31, 2026; this transaction, funded by cash generation and €30 million in credit lines alongside repayment of $50 million in U.S. debt, aims to expand product offerings, leverage Seven's network of over 6,000 stores, create cross-selling synergies, strengthen Italian school market presence, and form a joint venture with DOMS for backpacks in India, projecting pro-forma 2024 revenues of €700 million and adjusted EBITDA of €118 million. For the first nine months of 2025, core business sales reached €460.9 million despite U.S. market challenges from reduced school funding and currency effects, with expectations of €40 million free cash flow to equity for the full year and performance normalization in 2026.