From Acquired to Adaptable: Terraillon’s Journey as a French SME

In 1981, Terraillon, a French SME that had been in operation for over a century, was acquired by Bernard Tapie for a symbolic franc. Since then, the company has undergone several transformations and has become the official supplier of scales for the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024. With a 40% market share and a reputation for building equipment that can withstand demanding tasks, Terraillon is often referred to as the sleeping beauty of the industry.

However, despite these challenges, Terraillon has remained a dominant force in the market as a heritage brand. In recent years, the company underwent a repositioning focused on well-being in a broad sense. This shift saw Terraillon expand its product offerings to include small household appliances, alarm clocks, and connected devices. The quiet success of this pivot speaks volumes about Terraillon’s adaptability to changing market demands and its enduring legacy.