Lander & Rogers advises founders of Redback Boots on its sale

Lander & Rogers has advised the founders of Redback Boots, an iconic Australian boot manufacturer, on the sale of a majority stake in the business to global alternative investment manager, Ares Management Corporation.

Founded in 1989, Redback Boots has built a strong reputation as a leading producer of high-quality, handcrafted work footwear. The business supplies a broad range of industries across Australia and international markets, including the Australian Defence Force, and is recognised for its commitment to local manufacturing, durability and innovation.

The investment marks Ares’ first private equity transaction in Australia and represents a significant milestone for both parties. The partnership is expected to support Redback Boots’ next phase of growth, including expansion of manufacturing capacity, enhancement of supply chain operations, and acceleration of its domestic and international growth strategy, while enabling an ongoing founder stake in the business.

Lander & Rogers advised the founders throughout the transaction, providing strategic and legal support across all aspects of the deal, including vendor due diligence, transaction documentation, founder reinvestment arrangements and related regulatory matters.

The Corporate/M&A team was led by partner David Tink, with senior associate Breanna Taylor and lawyer James French, acting for the sell-side. The team was supported by corporate senior associate, Douglas Brown, together with partner Matt McMillan and lawyer Michelle Zhu from the Digital Economy team, as well as specialists from the firm’s Real Estate and Workplace Relations & Safety teams.

Matthew Cloros, Managing Director of Redback Boots, said:

"This transaction represents an exciting next chapter for Redback Boots. We were looking for a partner who understood our brand, our people and our long-term vision, while allowing us to remain invested in the future of the business. The Lander & Rogers team guided us through every stage of the process with clarity, commercial insight and a deep understanding of founder-led transactions."

David Tink commented on the transaction:

"This was a strategically significant transaction for the founders of Redback Boots, balancing a successful partial exit with the opportunity to reinvest alongside a global private equity partner. We are proud to have supported the founders through a complex sell-side process and to see an iconic Australian manufacturer well positioned for its next phase of growth.

Founder-led reinvestment transactions like this require careful alignment of commercial, regulatory and governance considerations, and Redback Boots is an excellent example of how the right structure can unlock long-term value."

This transaction follows other successful sell-side transactions for Lander & Rogers including Local Measure and Smart Energy.