Pelikan International Corp and Herlitz are set to capitalise on each other's distribution network to distribute the enlarged group's products, according to Benama. Pelikan now owns 69.37 per cent in Herlitz following the completion of its takeover earlier this month.

In a statement on Monday, Pelikan said Herlitz' presence was strong in Eastern Europe while it was strong mainly in Western Europe, Latin America and Asia. "With the access to different markets and product lines, there exist enormous cross-selling opportunities that will drive sales growth in the coming years," it said. Pelikan said full integration was expected to be completed by the second half of the year.

Its president/chief executive officer, Loo Hooi Keat, said the completion of Herlitz acquisition marked another important milestone for the group's overall growth strategy. "We will strive to expand our business globally and serve our markets/customers with a wider and more comprehensive range of products," he said.