Chargeurs Invest posts resilient Q3 results driven by personal goods growth amid portfolio review

Compagnie Chargeurs Invest (CCI), the French textiles conglomerate, has successfully maintained the positive trajectory observed in the first half of the year, posting resilient results for Q3. During this period, the group recorded revenues of €164.2 million, reflecting a modest 0.7% decline, alongside a robust 2.3% increase in organic terms. This performance closely mirrors its H1 results, which saw a 0.6% revenue drop and a 1.7% organic increase.

Analyzing the first nine months of the fiscal year, CCI’s various segments presented a mixed picture. The "Mode & Savoir-Faire" division experienced a 7.5% revenue decline for Chargeurs PCC, totaling €138.8 million, while its Luxury Fibers division saw a 5.4% decrease, reaching €55.7 million.

In contrast, the "Personal Goods" segment demonstrated remarkable growth, generating €10.8 million in revenue, an impressive 18.7% increase. This segment encompasses renowned British leather goods brands Swaine of London and Cambridge Satchel, alongside the French company Altesse, highlighting strategic success in this niche market.

Michael Fribourg, CEO of CCI, expressed optimism regarding the group's future. "Commercial momentum in the second half of the year is particularly strong and points to a promising 2026, assuming comparable macroeconomic conditions," he stated. Fribourg further highlighted the positive impact of strategic initiatives: "The transformation of our technical textile activities is beginning to bear fruit, and is expected to accelerate significantly in 2026, thanks to the human resources, technological, and operational investments made since mid-2024."

Concurrently, CCI is actively evaluating strategic options for its industrial division, Novacel. This division specializes in high-tech coatings, adhesive tape, and special papers. The group is exploring either a partial or complete sale of Novacel, indicating a strategic review of its portfolio.

Regarding the Novacel divestiture, CCI affirmed its commitment to a thorough process. The group noted, "[CCI] is rigorously reviewing the offers received and engaging in in-depth discussions with interested parties, with the aim of fully reflecting Novacel’s unique market position, strong commercial drive, and growth prospects."

Looking back at fiscal year 2024, CCI reported a substantial revenue of €729.6 million, marking an 11.9% overall growth and a 10.7% increase organically. In a recent corporate development, the group also announced the appointment of Carla Bruni-Sarkozy to its board of directors, further strengthening its governance structure.