30 July 2018: Footwear distribution

The Autorité de la concurrence clears the acquisition of the Besson Chaussures company
by the Weinberg Capital Partners and Groupe Philippe Ginestet (Gifi/Tati) companies

On 12 July 2018, Weinberg Capital Partners and Groupe Philippe Ginestet notified the Autorité de la concurrence of their intent to acquire Besson Chaussures.

Parties to the transaction

Besson Chaussures is mainly active in the footwear retail, and- although marginally- in the accessories distribution. This company is wholly owned by the Groupe Vivarte, which recently divested of its subsidiary André . The global turnover of Besson Chaussures is approximately 264.8 million euros in 2017.

The Groupe Philippe Ginestet is also active in the footwear and accessories retail markets, via its Gifi and Tati.

Weinberg Capital Partners’ activity focuses on investment capital management and is not active on these markets.

The transaction is not likely to harm competition

As the market positions held by Gifi and Tati in the footwear retail sector are limited, the transaction will not significantly strengthen Besson Chaussures’s position. In the markets assessed, consumers will have numerous alternatives, i.e. specialized distribution chains and super- and hypermarkets.  

Thus, the Autorité was able to rule out any competition issue and clear the transaction unconditionally.

> See the full text of Decision 18-DCC-126 of 30 July 2018


>Press contact: Chloé Duretête +33 1 55 04 01 20 / Email