Burde, which started its journey in 1991 when the founders grew tired of black and brown standard calendars, has grown into a Nordic company. Through the acquisition of Ballograf, the Växjö-based company is now expanding its portfolio within lifestyle products.
The aim of the deal is to combine the companies’ networks and long experience of in-house manufacturing to make the historic pen brand grow, both domestically and abroad.
Ballograf is an iconic Swedish brand with high recognition and a product tradition that is close to Burde’s core. We see great opportunities to create an inspiring offering together, develop the range and sales while continuing to build on Ballograf’s heritage,” says Mattias Helin, CEO of Burde.
From a small garage to 50 countries
The story of Ballograf began during World War II when the founder Eugen Spitzer fled to Sweden. The company was founded in 1945 and the first pens were assembled by hand in a small garage. Since then, the brand has become a staple at Swedish post offices, banks and desks.
Currently, Ballograf is the only remaining pen manufacturer in the entire Nordic region. Each year, over four million pens roll out of the factory in Värmland’s Filipstad to then be exported to nearly 50 countries.
Prior to the sale, the company was owned by Tommy Kvist and Jan Johansson, with Karin Kvist in the role of CEO.
Tougher times in the books
When it comes to financial development, both companies have seen a slowdown during their latest financial years.
For Burde Publishing, revenue landed at SEK 201.2 million in 2024 (last year’s figures have not yet been published). This is a decrease of 3 percent. Operating profit also fell by 57 percent to SEK 3.9 million, compared to SEK 9.1 million the year before.
Ballograf had a turnover of SEK 44.1 million during its financial year 2025, which is a decrease of 2 percent from SEK 45 million in 2024. Here too, operating profit decreased, from SEK 1.7 million to SEK 1.2 million, which corresponds to a decrease of 30 percent.