Article by Rose Innes courtesy of the Courier Mail.

Iconic Australian brand DrizaBone has been bought by billionaire businesswoman Gina Rinehart’s S. Kidman & Co in a move expected to preserve and expand its legacy.

The brand is celebrating its 125th birthday.

Ms Rinehart said Driza-Bone had been intertwined with pivotal moments in Australian history.

“From sheltering soldiers at Gallipoli during World War I, to being worn in the magnificent film The Man from Snowy River, and by our Olympians for the Sydney Olympics, Driza-Bone has been an emblem of Australian quality and resilience,” she said. “Driza-Bone’s oilskin coats are iconic.”

Ms Rinehart said she was honoured to carry forward Driza-Bone’s pioneering legacy while supporting its growth. “Our family’s and company’s long association with the outback seems to be a natural fit,” she said.

S. Kidman & Co intends to expand the Driza-Bone product range and extend its presence globally.

Kidman CEO Adam Giles said the investment ensured Driza-Bone remained in Australian hands and that two iconic Australian brands unite.

“We will bolster Driza-Bone’s expansion strategies, enabling the brand to venture into new international markets while staying true to its Australian heritage and commitment to superior quality,” he said.

“The Driza-Bone brand is synonymous with the spirit of the Australian bush.

“We are committed to upholding and nurturing Driza-Bone’s legacy of Australian craftsmanship while also propelling it to new heights.”