White Line enters the share capital of Reptilis, acquiring the shares of three departing partners. Both companies specialize in exotic leathers and, in this way, complement and complete their business offerings in this sector. The result is “the first autonomous and independent group that manages to cover the entire range of fine leathers: from karung to the most expensive crocodile,” explains Alberto Panterani, CEO of White Line. Which, focused on crocodile and ostrich, has so far not dealt with python, lizard, ayer and other water snakes, on which – instead – Reptilis operates. “By making this merger, the offering is expanded, the structure becomes much stronger and more comprehensive, both technically and commercially, and the service to brands improves.”
Merger and new plant
The two companies are already collaborating, but for the time being they continue to work independently. In a later step, after a gradual integration, there will be a full-fledged merger of the two entities scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. At that point, the manufacturing plant will be the one in Via del Cuoio in Ponte a Egola, White Line’s current location, which will be joined (about 50 meters away) by a newly built facility. Warehouses will be moved to this hub, with the possibility of also accommodating offices and production processes complementary to tanning and finishing. For example: shaving, drying, and dry cleaning.
Growth and evolution
“The operation is not simply the sum of two turnovers,” Panterani points out. Ours is a partnership aimed at growing economies of scale that will enable us to reach 20 million in sales in 2026, with an increase in labor of at least 25-30 percent.” The idea is to greatly reduce operating costs and, at the same time, to grow both as a structure and a staff. “Of course in the merger we will keep all employees (13 from Reptilis and 35 from White Line), but then we would like to expand our team as well.”
Integration
The first event where the two companies will present together will be the upcoming edition of Lineapelle Milano (Feb. 25-27, 2025). “At the next fair in February we will already be together. We have a unique booth where we offer, together with Italhide as well, the whole production range,” the two companies explain. The whole business side has already been reorganized, roles have already been merged and reassigned. So there is also full functionality from the commercial and distribution system point of view.”
Choice against the trend
“Ours is a countertrend choice. Instead of suffering the market, we decided to face it,” comments Simone Cristiani of Reptilis. Synergy is crucial because of the way the market is moving. Collaborations like this are the high road to being able to ensure growth. It is a brave but thoughtful decision, made in the right time, with the right resources and in the right ways.” In other words: it is not a leap of faith. “Times of crisis are the ones where you still have to reinvent something in order to return to success, and we believe very much in this philosophy,” Panterani adds. The transaction was made possible thanks to the Legal and Finance advice of the Taccogna, Beltramelli and Dami/Gnesi firms.
Excerpt from the article in “The Tannery,” February 21, 2025.