Wittner, the women’s boot retailer founded more than a century ago that collapsed in April, is set to be saved after the owner of the Novo Shoes and Jo Mercer brands emerged as a potential buyer on Friday.

The 113-year-old brand, which began as Australia’s first mail-order footwear business, fell into administration after a sales slump and higher costs. The company had been owned by Hilco Capital, a British distressed assets investor that earlier this year acquired the Cue Clothing business.