Birkenstock acquires its Australian distributor
Birkenstock is acquiring its longtime Australian distributor "to ensure a smooth transition of power" for the two founders of Birkenstock Australia, Marcel and Manuela Goerke. Terms of the deal are not being disclosed, reports Footwearnews.com.
Marcel Goerke, co-founder of Birkenstock Australia, will support the transition as Managing Director of Birkenstock Australia. He will report to Klaus Baumann, Chief Sales Officer of the Birkenstock Group. The transaction is expected to close by the end of this month.
"This is exciting news as the additional resources will be used to further develop Birkenstock's growing network of independent retailers and stores," said Marcel Goerke, co-founder of Birkenstock Australia. The transaction is being executed through Birkenstock International Asia GmbH, a subsidiary of Birkenstock.
Since the early 1990s, the family business has grown into what is now Birkenstock Australia, with approximately 60 employees and annual revenue of AUD$88,6 million. Headquartered in Melbourne, the company operates two in-house stores in Melbourne and an online store. A single-brand partner store has opened in Sydney. The distribution network includes over 300 wholesale partners.
"Today, Australia is one of the countries with the highest per capita Birkenstock sales in the world. The business, built over many years, is extremely successful, and we still have plenty of opportunity. This change in ownership will allow us to unlock the significant growth potential of our brand in this market and meet the needs of our huge Australian fan base," said Birkenstock CEO Oliver Reichert.
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Birkenstock is acquiring its long-standing Australian distributor "to ensure a smooth transition of power" for the two founders of Birkenstock Australia, Marcel and Manuela...
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