Storch-Ciret Group Acquires Savy to Expand Market Position in France

Storch-Ciret Group, the market leader for painting tools in Europe, has acquired French painting tool specialist Savy. The group is already represented in France by its subsidiary Ciret France. With the French production facility, the company is strengthening its expertise in manufacturing painting tools Made in Europe. Founded in 1896 and headquartered in Wuppertal, Germany, the Storch-Ciret Group is now a major player in the French market for painting tools — with a comprehensive product range that meets the needs of both commercial and private end customers.

Increased presence in the European market

With the acquisition of painting tools manufacturer Savy, based in Privas in the Ardèche region, the Storch-Ciret Group gains the production and know-how of the French company and increases its own presence in the core European market. Like the Storch-Ciret Group, Savy has a long corporate history. Since 1836, Savy has been known for its expertise in the development and manufacture of brushes, paint rollers and painting accessories for the do-it-yourself market. The 45 employees produce two million brushes, one million paint rollers and a total of six million items for 1,300 customers annually in a production area of 10,000 square meters and at state-of-the-art industrial facilities with six automated production lines. Savy possesses a high level of know-how and is the only French manufacturer to have been awarded the “Origine France Garantie” quality label. The label confirms that the essential processing of the product takes place in France.

Painting tools for specialized trade and end users

Ciret France, a subsidiary of the Storch-Ciret Group based in Uberach near Strasbourg, has been present in France since 1988. With its Rota, Kana, Masq and Prep product range, Ciret France specializes in the manufacture of tools and accessories for professional painters and decorators covering all areas of work from preparation to paint application. The subsidiary employs 22 people and markets over 6 million items to its customers each year.

The Storch-Ciret Group now serves both target groups with Ciret France dedicated to the specialist trade and with Savy geared toward the DIY stores.

“This is an important step for the development of Savy. Under the umbrella of the Storch-Ciret Group, we can use the experience of the group and of Ciret France to win new markets,” says Savy’s deputy managing director, Christophe Chaix.

Sébastien Blot, Managing Director of Ciret France says, “By joining forces, we will be able to offer our customers — both in the specialist trade and in DIY stores — precisely the solutions they need. End consumers are increasingly keen to support the French economy with their purchases, and retailers are increasingly asking for French-made products as part of their CSR policy. With brands for every market and a production facility in France, we will meet the expectations. Of this, we are convinced.”

Daniel Rogusch, CEO of Storch-Ciret Group, says, “Savy’s manufacturing facility and competencies enrich us. They will contribute significantly to our success in the French core market. We are passionate about and will continue to develop the company and bring high-performance tools to the market. We strongly believe in the quality awareness and expertise of the Savy teams. They share our values: highly specialized know-how, products of the highest quality and excellent service.”