#Japan #Tokyo #Plus Group #Pentel #Astrum

Plus Group's Ambitious Integration of Stationery Businesses

In a significant move, Plus Corporation, led by President Tadahisa Imaizumi, has unveiled plans for the gradual integration of its stationery business through a strategic project aimed for completion by 2028. This initiative aligns Plus with its vision of becoming a leading global manufacturer within the stationery sector. The integration will include Pentel Co., Ltd. and Japan Notebook Co., Ltd., along with their associated companies, signifying a transformative chapter in the group's operational strategy.

While substantial changes unfold, it is noteworthy that Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., another Group member, is set to maintain its status as a publicly traded, independent corporation. This ensures continued diversity and specialization within the overall Plus portfolio.

A pivotal aspect of this integration is the renaming of the Group's consolidated subsidiary Pentel Co., Ltd. to Astrum Corporation, effective from April 1, 2026. Astrum will retain the Pentel brand as its global business identity while serving as the foundational pillar for the integrated stationery operations under the Plus umbrella.

The name “Astrum,” which translates to “celestial body” in Latin, reflects the essence of intelligence and creativity intrinsic to the stationery business. The lineage of human advancement, as illustrated by the paintings in the Lascaux Caves, suggests that our comprehension began with the stars; hence, the term Astrum aptly resonates with the intellectual and sensory demands of stationery products. In this regard, it symbolizes the blending and brilliance of the various brands within the Plus Group while setting a guiding path for their collective future.

As the integration progresses, Plus plans to clarify further details, communicating developments as the preparations advance. The stationery companies involved in this strategic union include:

• - Plus Corporation's Stationery Company
• - Pentel Co., Ltd.
• - Japan Notebook Co., Ltd.
• - Other relevant domestic and international subsidiaries.

Overview of the Name Change

• - Current Name: Pentel Co., Ltd.
• - New Name: Astrum Corporation
• - Headquarters: 7-2 Koa-cho, Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-8538
• - Official Website: Set to be launched on April 1, 2026.

As the plus group embarks on this ambitious journey, stakeholders and consumers alike will be keen to witness how this integration unfolds, granting the stationery sector a refreshed identity and promising innovations in the years to come. The strategic choices made today are set to reshape how stationery is perceived and utilized worldwide.