Overview

...back in 1913, when thirteen separate Swedish businesses, all involved in graphics and related operations, joined together to form a company called SLT.

In 1970 the group changed its name to Esselte, a move that still retained the link with the original company name. Over time Esselte developed into a quality brand with strong positions across any countries in Europe, particularly Scandinavia. From its beginnings the Esselte brand has undergone many changes but it has remained true to its origins, providing office products to many millions of people across the globe. The Esselte of today stands for developing professional products and organizational solutions within the modern workspace in order to simplify people’s lives.

Corporate Information

Esselte's global business is comprised of five operating divisions that service the office supplies and creative needs of customers in over 120 countries. Esselte Americas, Esselte Europe, Creative Division, Asia and Pacific Rim together account for annual worldwide sales of approximately USD 1 billion.

Company History

Founded in 1913 in Stockholm, Sweden, Esselte is the leading global office supplies manufacturer.

Through numerous acquisitions, the company grew and its core activities soon included everything from book binding and paper manufacturing, to the printing of stationery, playing cards, maps, forms and printing securities; including share certificates and bonds.

By the early 1960s SLT had an overwhelming number of competing operations and products, and in 1964 a period of dramatic structural change began and divisions with similar activities were merged.

On August 1, 1970, the group changed its name to Esselte. With high liquidity, vast borrowing potential and an agreed overseas acquisition program, Esselte embarked on a period of dynamic growth; beginning with the acquisition of Benson's International Systems Ltd, the world's largest producer of ring binder mechanisms.

Acquired by U.S.-based private equity investment firm J.W. Childs in July of 2002, Esselte is in the process of executing an aggressive three-pronged growth strategy that includes investing heavily in its core brands, making strategic acquisitions that expand the company's brand portfolio or global reach, and leading the industry in organizational excellence.

Creating unique, innovative solutions to the problems our audience face is the way Esselte will continue to be relevant into the 21st century and beyond.