Gina Rinehart snaps up favourite Aussie brand as mining billionaire continues massive splurge on fashion
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart continues her mission to preserve and rejuvenate classic Australian clothing brands by purchasing Rossi Boots.
Following the purchase of Driza-Bone, Ms. Rinehart's company, S. Kidman & Co, purchased the 100-year-old shoe manufacturer for an undisclosed price as part of its “commitment to preserve iconic national brands.”
Rossi Boots, founded in 1910 by Arthur Rossiter, sells high-quality leather boots for both work and leisure wear and was a major supplier to diggers during both World Wars.
The move puts Ms Rinehart in direct retail competition with fellow mining billionaire Andrew 'Twiggy' Forrest, who bought Australian shoemaker RM Williams in October 2020 and Akubra in November 2023.
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart has bought century-old Australian shoemaker Rossi as part of her commitment to heritage clothing brands
Ms Rinehart said buying Rossi Boots was not just a 'business decision' but a 'recognition of our national history'.
“Rossi Boots is more than just a brand, it represents a much-loved part of the way of life in rural Australia,” she said.
'From wearing them at stations and farms across the country to supplying hundreds of thousands of pairs to our soldiers in the First and Second World Wars, Rossi represents the heart and soul of Australian craftsmanship and embodies the quintessential Australian spirit of hard work, resilience and quality.
“We are committed to fostering his legacy by maintaining operations in Australia and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Rossi Boots under the S. Kidman and Co umbrella.”
S. Kidman chief executive Adam Giles said the boots will continue to be made locally.
“We are committed to fostering his legacy by maintaining operations in Australia and are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Rossi Boots under the S. Kidman & Co umbrella,” he said.
Popular Rossi designs include the classic Ripple Sole Desert Boot and the more recent Endura Sole.
Rossi was last sold to Propel Group in 2020, which also owned Driza-Bone before selling to S. Kidman.
Following the purchase of Driza-Bone, Ms. Rinehart's company, S. Kidman & Co, purchased the 100-year-old shoe manufacturer for an undisclosed price as part of its “commitment to preserving iconic national brands.”
Mining billionaire Andrew Forrest has also bought iconic Australian clothing brands such as hat maker Akurbra and boot maker RM Williams
Propel still owns the equestrian brand Goodwoods and the clothing brand RB Sellars.
Mr Forrest also bought famed hat maker Akubra from the Keir family in November through his investment vehicle Tattarang.
He said his mission at the time was also to revive historic Australian clothing brands while keeping production onshore.
“There's nothing more proudly Australian than an Akubra,” Mr Forrest said.
'Hats off to the Keir family. Hats off to Australia. Australia is the winner here and keeps a legacy at home.'
Outgoing Akubra chairman Stephen Keir IV said the family chose to sell to Tattarang because they wanted owners who would protect and invest in the company – as they did in RM Williams.
“We have thought long and hard about selling the company after five generations of family ownership,” says Keir.
“After seeing how the Forrests invested in local manufacturing alongside RM Williams, we conclude they were the right custodians for Akubra.”