Bignon Lebray advises Chauss Europ group in regard to its expansion

Alexandre Ghesquière, Partner, has advised Chauss Europ group in regard to 2 acquisitions that strengthen the group’s influence in France and internationally.

Founded in 1972 and established in Villeneuve d’Ascq, Chauss Europ group specializes in shoe trading. Its turnover approximates 20 million euros.

Acquisition of Distrib’Est France

Chauss Europ has acquired Distrib’Est, a shoe trading company that distributes its products to supermarkets and specialized retailers. Each year, 450,000 pairs of shoes are sold by Distrib’Est with a turnover of 5 million euros.

Chauss Europ wanted to expand its business by acquiring a specialized brand-name owning trade and having a significant commercial network among large retailers.

Advisers for the seller:

Legal adviser: FIDAL, François Bos

Legal adviser: BPS, Alexandre Sutter

Financial adviser: SYNERCOM FRANCE Grand-Est, Victor-Emmanuel Minot

Chartered accountant: KPMG, Ségolène Ducet-Vermot

Advisers for the purchaser:

Legal adviser: BIGNON LEBRAY, Alexandre Ghesquière

Chartered accountant: SDRD, Damien Decroocq

Acquisition of 50 % of the capital of Vimpex International Footwear

More recently, Chauss Europ has also acquired 50% of the Dutch group Vimpex International Footwear. The latter has been designing, manufacturing and selling shoes for nearly 100 years and has an office in Hong Kong.

Advisers for the seller:

Financial adviser: VAN OERS, John Knevels

Legal adviser: VANIERSEL LUCHTMAN ADVOCATEN, Pieter Van Der Schee

Advisers for the purchaser:

Legal adviser: BIGNON LEBRAY, Alexandre Ghesquière

Legal adviser: LEXENCE N.V ADVOCATEN & NOTARISSEN, Joost E.W. Houtman

Financial adviser: RSM, Jos Raben

Chartered accountant: SDRD, Damien Decroocq