Fabbrica Italiana Lapis ed Affini (FILA) from Italy has acquired an 18.5% share of RR Group’s Writefine Products Pvt Ltd (WFPL), with the option to increase its stake up to 50 per cent, according to a company statement.

WFPL was formed after RR Group, an Indian manufacturer of stationery products, consolidated its operations. Writefine produces stationery products such as pencils, pens, wax crayons, sharpeners and erasers. The products are sold under RR Group’s DOMS brand.

The deal with WFPL will allow FILA to establish a strong presence in India and other key emerging markets such as Sri Lanka and the Middle East.

“Partnering with a successful international player like FILA is a growth opportunity for our company and our brand,” said Santosh R. Raveshia, chief executive officer of WFPL. “This agreement enables FILA to enter a high-growth emerging market, relying on the experience and the know-how of the RR Group,” said Massimo Candela, CEO of FILA.

“In addition, through WFPL, FILA will be able to distribute products with the best quality/price ratio, thanks to a business strategy that has allowed the group to become a leader in branded products for the stationery,” he added.