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