Rossi Boots, Gina Rinehart: S. Kidman & Co adds iconic bootmaker to portfolio

Following the recent acquisition of Driza-Bone, Gina Rinehart has added Rossi Boots to her ever-expanding S. Kidman & Co portfolio.

An iconic Australian footwear brand has been bought by the nation’s richest woman, marking the third Aussie rural outfitter to change hands in the past month.

Gina Rinehart’s S. Kidman & Co has acquired Rossi Boots, which was founded in Adelaide by Arthur Rossiter in 1910 and has a history of making boots for use in agriculture, wine and rural industries.

Mrs Rinehart said: “Acquiring Rossi Boots is not just a business decision; it’s a recognition of our national history.”

“From being worn on stations and farms around the country to supplying hundreds of thousands of pairs to our soldiers in WW1 and WWII, Rossi represents the heart and soul of Australian craftsmanship and embodies the quintessential Australian spirit of hard work, resilience and quality,” Mrs Rinehart said.

S. Kidman & Co has bought Rossi Boots, which manufactures the iconic Kidman boots and holds the trademark for the name Kidman for use on clothing, footwear and headwear. Pictured: Kidman boots.

Gina Rinehart. Picture: Supplied

Rossi’s range includes iconic products such as the Original Ripple Sole Desert Boot launched in 1950, the Endura Sole introduced in 1993 and – conveniently – the Kidman Boot, made from Australian yearling leather.

In a coup for Mrs Rinehart, Rossi holds the trademark for the name Kidman when used on footwear, clothing and headwear.

CEO Adam Giles said the acquisition would ensure Rossi’s manufacturing remained in Australian hands.

“We are pleased to add this iconic brand to our growing portfolio and continue the legacy that Arthur Rossiter started over a century ago,” Mr Giles said.

“Our acquisition underscores S. Kidman & Co’s dedication to preserving Australian tradition while at the same time exploring avenues for growth and bringing Australian brands to the world stage.

“We are committed to nurturing its legacy by maintaining operations in Australia and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”

Rossi currently has business-to-business relationships with operations in Europe and the US, with S. Kidman & Co planning to ramp up corporate sales into overseas markets.

It also plans to expand its retail presence across Australia.

A company spokesman declined to disclose the purchase price.

The acquisition of Rossi Boots follows S. Kidman & Co’s recent purchase of Driza-Bone.

In November, billionaires Andrew and Nicola Forrest bought Australian hat maker Akubra, adding to a string of high-profile brands owned by the mining magnate including RM Williams and a stake in Camilla.