R.M. Williams, a beloved Australian heritage brand famed for its premium-quality boots, is reportedly up for sale with an estimated price tag ranging between A$400 million to A$500 million (€247m to €309m). The brand, currently owned by private equity firm L Catterton Asia, has enlisted the services of Goldman Sachs to manage the sale process.
The iconic brand maintains a robust retail presence with approximately 50 stores across Australia and more than 500 multibrand stockists in the region, alongside its growing international footprint. Earlier this year, R.M. Williams made waves by announcing actor Hugh Jackman as its global ambassador, further elevating the brand’s profile with his star power.
Having been a major shareholder in R.M. Williams since 2013, L Catterton acquired a 49.9% stake from former News Corp Australia executive Ken Cowley before assuming full control the following year. While the firm has not officially confirmed plans to divest its stake, reports indicate that a sale could be imminent.
Financial data paints a positive picture for R.M. Williams, with sales in the latest fiscal year (FY2018) climbing to A$142 million from A$126 million, and operating profit experiencing a significant rise from A$1 million to A$6 million. This upward trajectory is expected to attract interest from global apparel giants, as well as prominent Australian and international private equity firms keen on supporting the brand’s global growth ambitions.
With recent expansions into key international markets through flagship stores in prominent cities such as Copenhagen, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Auckland, R.M. Williams is well-positioned to capture a larger slice of the global market. The brand’s sterling reputation for superior craftsmanship and iconic designs presents an enticing investment opportunity for prospective buyers looking to leverage its heritage and expansion prospects.
For more information on the potential sale of R.M. Williams and its market outlook, you can visit the company’s official website here and check out related news articles on the subject here.
