Meridiani celebrates 30 years and aims for double-digit growth

The year 2026 is full of anniversaries of great designers and historic companies in the tradition of Italian manufacturing. In this scenario of illustrious birthdays, Meridiani - despite being among the youngest brands - is ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary at the Salone del Mobile with a Limited Edition collection and new growth targets. The Brianza-based company - part of the Dexelance group since 2016 - is now at a turning point, having completed the transition from an entrepreneurial company to a more managerial one with over 20 million in turnover. "Following the post-Covid adjustment phase, our goal is to return to double-digit growth in the next three years," explains Italia Casalino, ceo of Meridiani. "To do this, we have structured ourselves internally with the inclusion of an operations director, aiming to improve margins through the streamlining of the supply chain and internal processes, rather than simply by increasing price lists.

Remaining faithful to its Italian soul, Meridiani has already expanded its production from high-quality upholstered furniture to the creation of complete collections for different areas of the home, meeting the needs of an international audience as well. In fact, the company led by Casalino is now present in over 50 countries, with single-brand stores in the world's main cities. "Internationally, however, 80% of our turnover is still concentrated in Europe," adds the general manager. In order to grow, our strategy aims at geographical diversification, focusing on North America and Asia'. Acceleration will also come from innovation and artificial intelligence. With the support of the parent company, Meridiani has implemented a new management system and an Ai platform for single-brand shops: a tool that allows designs and renderings for customers to be drawn up in just a few minutes.

The company can count on a solid group: Dexelance closed 2025 with a turnover of over EUR 372 million and aims to reach EUR 500 million in the mid-term, with a gross operating margin at 15% and an adjusted net profit margin at 7%. "Any new acquisitions will add to these numbers," says group CEO Andrea Sasso. "The forthcoming capital increase will be destined precisely to support new operations to complete our industrial offer. The entry of new companies has contributed 24% to the group's overall growth over the years, with a performance over the last 10 of 32% per year. The entry of Mohd is fundamental, while in Roda the group currently has a 25% stake, which will rise to 60% in 2028.In addition to growth through external lines, Dexelance is relying on internal leverage: 'Organic growth, i.e. the development of individual companies, is fundamental,' adds Sasso. From 2015 to 2025 it was 8% per year, more than double the reference market average estimated by Altagamma (around 3% -4% for High-End Design). There is no shortage of challenges on the horizon, such as the downturn in Luxury contract, which has weighed on the group's 2025 profit. "A drop that is not due to a loss of market share but to the slowdown in luxury," explains Sasso. "The two-year period 2025-2026 will be a phase of transition and investment, preparatory to the recovery expected in 2027. The geopolitical landscape, on the other hand, does not worry the group, which is exposed to Middle Eastern markets for only 5% of its turnover.

Meanwhile, the spotlight is on the Salone del Mobile. Meridiani is declining the payoff "my home is ME" - a promise of total customisation to make the home the mirror of the identity of those who live in it - in three locations: the stand at the fair, the flagship in via Manzoni and the showroom in Corso Venezia. If in Rho the brand stages different living situations, in via Manzoni the focus is on novelties: from the relaunch of historical collections with new coverings, to the expansion of the living and sleeping areas. For the 30th anniversary the Limited Edition of 30 pieces of an iconic product, with exclusive materials. At the same time, Binova marks a new milestone with models for Bluna, a project with a Stone + Lab Grès handle that focuses on the integration of kitchen and living and a line of containers that mark the entry into the world of systems.