The Dubois acquisition announcement was made by Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) on its official LinkedIn account. The group also operates Footsure Western, a company specialising in safety footwear.
Dubois, headquartered in Brussels, is a family-owned business now in its third generation. It serves as the official distributor for a range of footwear and apparel brands.
Launched by Jean Dubois in 1951, the company has represented brands such as Sebago, CAT Footwear, Aigle, Dickies, Gant and Berghen.
According to media reports, Dubois will incorporate additional brands into its offerings, including Hard Yakka, Timberland Pro, Base London, and Amblers Safety.
Gardiner Bros & Co (Leathers) CEO James Gardiner said: “This new chapter in our international growth journey is an incredibly exciting milestone. Expanding into the European market alongside a trusted partner like Dubois significantly strengthens our position as the go-to supplier that unites trusted brands and retailers.
“We’re bringing together two highly complementary businesses grounded with deep consumer understanding and shared values. At the core of our partnership is our mutual dedication to fostering authentic long-term relationships with our customers and a shared ambition to place sustainability and ethical practices at the forefront of our mission.”
Gardiners’ product range includes over 5,000 lines and operates a storage facility spanning 230,000ft2.
The company claims to hold exclusive distribution rights for several global brands throughout the UK and Northern Ireland.
Dubois CEO Jean-Jacques Vankeerberghen said: "The acquisition of Dubois by the Gardiners Group is a fantastic opportunity for the company to grow its business with existing and new brands in Benelux and the whole of Europe. The shared values are important to me as we progress the integration of the two historical family businesses."
