The luxury segment is on the hunt for footwear manufacturers. OTB acquired a majority stake in in Calzaturificio Stephen, headquartered in Pianezze (Vicenza). The shoe manufacturer has been a collaborator of the group led by Renzo Rosso since the early 2000s. Brother and sisters Stefano, Antonella, and Valeria Bertollo, will remain in the leadership. Stefano Bertollo will continue to be CEO of the company employing 70 people. “We invest in local entities with a strong reputation in the Italian fashion chain, in order to guarantee their growth and sustainable development”, commented Russo.
The luxury segment is on the hunt for footwear manufacturers
Last eek, Capri Holdings purchased Calzaturificio Sicla in Levane (Arezzo). Now it’s up to OTB to take over its long-term supplier Stephen (in photos from the Facebook profile of the Veneto footwear manufacturer) via Staff International, its production and logistical hub. OTB owns Diesel, Jil Sander, Maison Margiela, Marni and Viktor & Rolf, as well as manufacturing entities Staff International and Brave Kid, and a minority stake in Amiri. The operation – explains an official statement – is part of ITB’s strategy to acquire know-how and highly-qualified production capacity in strategic product categories.
OTB acquires Stephen
OTB will become the majority stakeholder of a footwear plant founded in 1967 by Francesco Bertollo. The company is today led by his children Stefano, Antonella and Valeria, who will continue to hold their current roles. “Made in Italy became a distinctive sign for us, thanks to the collaboration with companies in our incredible chain. A unique asset that makes us extremely competitive on international markets”, stated Rosso (source Footwear News). OTB will provide the footwear manufacturer with technology, digital tools and sustainability resources.
Lots of choice
The interest of large groups in Italian manufacturing remains high. The size of the companies making up the chain facilitate M&A operations and groups have lots of choice. That’s why such clustering and industrial aggregations can also be interpreted as a safety net for Italy’s manufacturing chain.
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