ABOUT ME – Our History
ME Group has a rich history spanning seven decades
In 1954, the first customer sat inside a Photo-Me® photobooth to have their photograph taken and, amazingly for that time, a few minutes later walked away with the pictures. In 1962, the company listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Since then, hundreds of millions of people throughout the world have used Photo-Me® photobooth images for official documents, such as passports and driving licences, and for fun.
Today, the ME Group offers an extensive and diverse range of products and services, reaching far beyond its photobooth heritage, including automated 24/7 laundry services, printing kiosks, and vending equipment for the foodservice market.
1962
Listed shares on the London Stock Exchange as Photo-Me International Plc (PMI)
1994
Merger with KIS (France), a leading in instant printing founded by Serge Crasnianski
2011
Launch of new-generation iconic photobooth designed by Philippe Starck
2012
Launch of Revolution self-service laundry concept in Europe, offering 24/7 outdoor self-service laundry machines
2014
Launch of the rollout of digital photo and e-signature enrolment in France for driving licenses with ANTS
2017
Launched encrypted photo ID technology in partnership with the Irish government, Her Majesty’s Passport Office (UK) and launched the German biometric booth
2019
Entry into the food vending sector with the acquisition of SEMPA Sarl, the French leader in the manufacture and distribution of fresh fruit juice machines
2021
Acquired Pizza vending machine manufacturer, developed ‘anti-spoofing’ solution for ID photos and launched ME Group corporate brand strategy
2021
Launched Apple (and Pineapple) Juicer developed by R&D team for commercial use
2022
Photo-Me International plc changes its listed entity name to ME Group International plc
2023
Launch of next generation photobooths
2023
Acquisition of photobooth business in Japan, adding 3,348