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Orell Füssli acquires family-run Köhler to dominate Swiss stationery market

A legacy preserved, a market reshaped. How one strategic takeover ensures stability for customers and staff while expanding a retail empire.

The image shows a store front with a sign that reads "Libreria Eurolibro" and a metal grill in...
The image shows a store front with a sign that reads "Libreria Eurolibro" and a metal grill in front of it. Inside the store, there are shelves filled with books, giving the impression of a bookshop.

Orell Füssli acquires family-run Köhler to dominate Swiss stationery market

Orell Füssli Thalia Ltd. has taken over A. Köhler AG in full, expanding its stationery business across Switzerland. The deal secures the future of the family-run company while keeping all 13 stores and around 70 employees under the same terms.

The acquisition serves as a long-term succession plan for Thomas Köhler, who will reach retirement age next year. Orell Füssli aims to preserve A. Köhler AG's regional presence while developing the locations further. Financial details of the takeover remain undisclosed.

For now, customers will see no immediate changes—all stores will retain their current names. The move strengthens Orell Füssli's position as the market leader in stationary book retail, adding to its existing branches in Basel, Bern, Olten, and Zürich.

A. Köhler AG's 70 staff members will continue working under their existing contracts. The company's 13 stationery shops will stay open, ensuring no disruption to operations.

The takeover ensures stability for A. Köhler AG's workforce and customers. Orell Füssli now holds a broader footprint in Switzerland's stationery market. The deal reflects a planned transition rather than an abrupt shift in ownership.

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