Advance Capital Partners and Mass have announced the acquisition of Austrian footwear retailer Leder & Schuh, intending to create a leading force in the Central and Eastern European market.

Information on the Target

Advance Capital Partners and Mass have reached an agreement with the owners of Leder & Schuh to acquire the Austrian footwear company. Founded in 1872, Leder & Schuh is one of Europe's oldest footwear retailers with a portfolio of 210 stores operating under the HUMANIC and SHOE4YOU brands across nine countries. The company has over 1,700 employees and generates more than 300 million euros in annual revenue. Upon receiving the necessary regulatory approvals, Leder & Schuh will become part of the Mass group while maintaining its operational independence and headquarters in Graz. The combined entity is expected to rank among the top ten footwear retailers in Europe, boasting over 400 million euros in annual revenue, 290 physical and 10 online stores, and more than 2,300 employees. The transaction is anticipated to close in the first half of 2026.

Industry Overview in Austria

Austria's retail footwear industry is characterized by a diverse array of both local and international brands, with a strong emphasis on quality and customer service. The market is currently witnessing a shift towards omnichannel retailing, with traditional brick-and-mortar stores increasingly complementing their presence with online platforms. This trend has been driven by changing consumer behavior, where customers seek seamless shopping experiences across various channels.

The footwear market in Austria is projected to grow steadily, bolstered by increasing disposable incomes and a rising awareness of fashion trends. Consumers ar