Birkenstock Australia

Footwear

Germany's largest footwear manufacturer was established in 1774 and was a sixth-generation family company. In 2021 private equity firm L Catterton and Financiere Agache, the family investment firm of Bernard Arnault - chairman and CEO of luxury conglomerate LVMH - acquired a majority stake. Birkenstocks are manufactured exclusively in Germany. While most of their sandals are made with leather, they do have vegan options.

Private equity firm

In 2016 LVMH merged its private equity arm with American private equity company Catterton to create L Catterton.

Luxury goods

World's largest luxury goods company. Wines and spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion and leather goods, watches and jewellery, plus a retail division. Chairman Bernard Arnault and his family, through Groupe Arnault, own about 47% of LVMH.