Clearwater International advises Groupe Vivarte on its disposal of Pataugas

Clearwater International has advised Groupe Vivarte on the disposal of Pataugas, an iconic French footwear brand founded in 1950 by René Ellisabide, and bought by Vivarte in 1987, to HOPPS Group.

In the hopes of allowing Pataugas to develop and reach its full potential, Vivarte has sold the shoe brand to the French HOPPs Group, and more precisely to its affiliate Start’Hopps, specialised in fashion distribution networks. Start’Hopps claims its expertise in products, wholesale, ecommerce and direct sales, and has accompanied the development of several brands in the French ready-made (shoes and accessories) universe.

The commonalities of trade and know-how between Pataugas and Start’Hopps will help accelerate the growth, sound and sustainable development of the brand.

Pataugas’ offering today includes 70 models, distributed thanks to a network of 5 owned stores in France, 15 corners in department stores, and more than 500 wholesalers in France and in Europe.