FGL International SpA, a leading company in the tanning chemicals sector and part of Lapi Group SpA, has announced the acquisition of the finishing division of RE.PI.CO. SpA, a historic Italian company active in tanning chemistry since 1948 and owned by the Annunziata family.
The strategic move aims to strengthen FGL International’s position in the tanning chemicals market while expanding its portfolio of products and services dedicated to the leather industry. The finishing division of RE.PI.CO. will be integrated into FGL International’s existing range as a new product line, while maintaining its commercial identity and customer portfolio.
This acquisition follows a similar step taken by FGL International in 2022, when the company integrated the activities of Finikem, another company within Lapi Group specialized in leather finishing products. The process reflects the group’s ongoing strategy to enhance expertise, innovation capabilities, and specialized solutions for tanneries.
“The main goal of this acquisition is to offer our customers even more comprehensive and innovative support, combining the know-how of both companies and strengthening our commercial offering,” said Francesco Lapi, CEO of FGL International and President of Lapi Group. “RE.PI.CO. is a family business with over 70 years of experience in the leather processing industry, just like us. This operation will allow the development of new solutions focused on innovation and sustainability in an increasingly competitive market.”
For RE.PI.CO., the sale of the finishing branch represents a strategic decision to focus more strongly on the wet-end product segment, where the company plans to concentrate investments, technological development and commercial resources.
“The sale of the finishing branch represents an important step in our strategic evolution,” said Stefania Annunziata, CEO of RE.PI.CO. “This decision will allow us to strengthen our presence in the wet-end sector and become even more agile and competitive, while ensuring that the sold division continues to grow under specialized industrial leadership in the finishing field.”
RE.PI.CO. will continue producing and marketing leather chemicals for the tanning industry, including its range of auxiliary dyes for beaming and retanning, with production continuing at its headquarters in Cinisello Balsamo (Milan) and at its Inveruno production facility, as well as through its international plants.
The transaction confirms both companies’ commitment to growth through targeted industrial strategies, reinforcing specialization, innovation and sustainability in support of the global tanning industry.
