The Rise of Birkenstock: How the Shoe Brand Turned an Ugly Hippie Sandal Into Coveted Fashion Statement and Has Now Filed for an IPO
September 15, 2023
Birkenstock, renowned for its comfortable cork-sole sandals, has filed for an IPO, a remarkable development for a brand with roots dating back to 1774. Initially an orthopedic business, it gained counterculture popularity in the ’60s and ’70s before transforming into a fashion staple in recent years. Owned by private equity firm L Catterton, the IPO could value the German footwear company at over $8 billion, marking a significant milestone in its nearly 250-year history.
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