The Renaud-Bray group has acquired the DeSerres art supplies store chain for an undisclosed price.

The deal covers 28 DeSerres retail outlets in Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia and B.C., along with Cadres Verbec, which specializes in framing supply services, and Lamarche Importation, a stationery product distributor. Renaud-Bray and the acquired firms are based in Greater Montreal.

“The time has come for me to hand the reins over and I’m confident in this decision,” said Marc DeSerres, who has headed the family-owned company since 1975. “I have no doubt that the teams at the Renaud-Bray group, with the help of our employees, suppliers and partners, will be able to keep driving the freedom to create.”

DeSerres was founded in 1908 by Omer DeSerres as a hardware store, but the company moved into art supplies under his son Roger DeSerres. Marc DeSerres is Roger’s son and Omer’s grandson. To ensure a sustainable future for the company, Marc sought an outside buyer.

“We are delighted to welcome DeSerres into our group,” said Blaise Renaud, president of Renaud-Bray. “Our [Renaud-Bray and DeSerres] businesses have a lot in common: They are both based in Quebec, multi-generational and focused on the cultural world.

“DeSerres will continue to foster Quebec’s creativity.”

With operations across Quebec, the Renaud-Bray group includes Renaud-Bray bookstores, Archambault stores, Griffon shops, and distributors Prologue and Pierre Belvédère. The group boasts nearly 2,500 collaborators and a network of 91 branches.

Renaud-Bray’s holdings include Renaud-Bray bookstores, Archambault stores, Griffon shops, and distributors Prologue and Pierre Belvédère. The company has 2,500 collaborators and a network of 91 branches.

Photo: JHVEPhoto/Shutterstock