R.M. Williams could start sale process in September, but analysts say price is very high

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Jul 11, 2019

The long-rumoured sale process for L Catterton ’s R.M. Williams brand could be set to kick off soon with an Australian press report saying that September will see an auction process launching via the firm’s investment banking adviser Goldman Sachs.

But there are questions over what kind of demand there might be given that the boots-to-clothing supplier is expected to be on the block for around A$500 million (€309 million). Those are lofty price expectations on the part of L Carterton in a currently-weak market and analysts told The Australian newspaper that there could be strong demand at half that price.

They also wondered whether the fact that one of the most respected private equity players is looking to exit rather than continue its lucrative ownership might deter some potential bidders who would be looking for just how much more growth they could squeeze out the label.

Yet R.M. Williams has shown strong growth in recent periods with no signs of a slowdown and said revenue for 2018 rose to A$142 million from A$126 million a year earlier.

L Catterton bought a 49.9% stake in the brand, which is currently fronted by global ambassador Hugh Jackman, in 2013 and super fund IFM later bought into the business too.