The OTB Group takes a stake in Calzaturificio Stephen

• The operation is part of the OTB strategy to acquire high-profile know-how and manufacturing capacity in product categories of strategic importance for the development of the Group brands

• OTB’s focus on optimising the supply chain and Italian craftsmanship is also reflected in its investment in the M.A.D.E. campaign, an initiative to promote the top entrepreneurial Made in Italy stories among the Group suppliers, presented with the Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, of which Calzaturificio Stephen is part.

Breganze (Vicenza)/Pianezze (Vicenza), 25 March 2024 – The OTB Group has acquired a majority stake in Calzaturificio Stephen, an historic Italian manufacturer of luxury men’s and women’s footwear, and a strategic Group supplier for more than twenty years. The shareholding was purchased through Staff International, OTB’s production and logistics hub.

The operation is part of the Group’s long-term strategy to acquire high-profile know-how and production capacity in product categories of strategic importance for the development of the brands in the OTB portfolio. The Group has always guaranteed over the years solid support for the Italian supply chain, through financial programmes such as the C.A.S.H.¹ project, and through communication campaigns promoting Made in Italy excellences, such as M.A.D.E., Made in Italy, Made Perfectly.

The OTB Group’s stake in Stephen will ensure greater stability and even faster and more solid growth for the Vicenza-based footwear manufacturer, which was established in 1967 by Francesco Bertollo.

Through the operation, OTB will join the family that founded the company, now represented by the second generation with siblings Stefano, Antonella and Valeria Bertollo, who will continue to run the business thanks to the strength of their know-how and the technical expertise that have always distinguished the excellence of their work. OTB will provide Calzaturificio Stephen with access to its resources aiming at supporting the company’s further development and evolution in terms of technology, innovation, and sustainability.

Stefano Bertollo will continue in the role of Chief Executive Officer of the company, which now has 70 employees and a great growth potential.

The operation is part of the OTB Group expansion policy designed to acquire know-how from the top players in Made in Italy operating in strategic merchandise categories.

“OTB’s brands are known all over the world for the originality, creativity and craftsmanship of their products, thanks to the use of raw materials of the highest quality and the skills of our experts, masters of savoir-faire. Made in Italy became our trademark, thanks to a close collaboration with the companies in our incredible supply chain: a unique asset that makes us extremely competitive on international markets,” said OTB Chairman and Founder Renzo Rosso. “This is why as a Group we invest in local players who have built the reputation of Italian fashion around the world, to guarantee their continued growth and increasingly sustainable development”.