15 December 2023.
In a move that celebrates the rich history of Rossi, and the legacy of Australian craftsmanship, S. Kidman & Co continues its commitment to preserving iconic national brands, acquiring Australian boot manufacturer, Rossi Boots.
Founded by Arthur Rossiter in a humble backyard shed in 1910, Rossi Boots has made boots for a wide range of people and industries over decades.
Rossi’s long history of top-quality manufacturing includes iconic pieces such as the Original Ripple Sole Desert Boot launched in 1950 and the renowned Endura Sole introduced in 1993. For over 25 years the Endura Sole has been Rossi’s most popular style, worn across various agriculture, wine and trade industries.
The acquisition by S. Kidman & Co ensures that Rossi’s manufacturing excellence remains in Australian hands and will see it expand into new markets.
S. Kidman & Co Chairman Gina Rinehart expressed her enthusiasm stating, “Acquiring Rossi Boots is not just a business decision; it’s a recognition of our national history.”
“From being worn on stations and farms around the country to supplying hundreds of thousands of pairs to our soldiers in WW1 and WW2, Rossi represents the heart and soul of Australian craftsmanship and embodies the quintessential Australian spirit of hard work, resilience and quality,” Mrs Rinehart said.
“We are pleased to add this iconic brand to our growing portfolio and continue the legacy that Arthur Rossiter started over a century ago. Our acquisition underscores S. Kidman & Co’s dedication to preserving Australian tradition while at the same time exploring avenues for growth and bringing Australian brands to the world stage” CEO Adam Giles added.
Mrs Rinehart emphasised the significance of keeping Rossi Boots within majority Australian ownership, “Rossi Boots is more than just a brand; it represents a cherished part of rural Australia’s way of life.”
“We are committed to nurturing its legacy by maintaining operations in Australia and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Rossi Boots under the umbrella of S. Kidman & Co” Mr Giles concluded.
Hancock Agriculture celebrated the Christmas season with a very merry Father Christmas and a staff lunch at the busy Norman’s Hotel in Brisbane. A hotel renowned for not only being “the worst vegetarian restaurant” , but also for its enthusiastic guests enjoying Kidman Premium Beef and Australia’s best 2GR Wagyu.
Amidst the festive celebrations, and after the chairman’s Merry Christmas raffle, following the recent acquisition of Driza-Bone, Hancock Ag unveiled the start of their new fashion line.
The grand reveal of the Kidman boot at the Norman hotel — presented to the delighted Executive Chairman Mrs. Gina Rinehart in her iconic colour, Pilbara red. Whilst this is a prototype, it showcases the beginning for the new fashion venture, and brings back affordable leather boots to Australians!
James Power owner of the Norman hotel said “love the red boot! Love that it’s called after one of Australia’s great iconic pioneers, Sir Sidney Kidman. And tickled pink, the Norman hotel was chosen to launch the first iconic Kidman boot, well surrounded, by our absolutely delicious Kidman Premium and 2GR Wagyu! “
Many more exciting fashions to be unveiled with Hancock Ag’s new agriculture-inspired fashion line.
During the festivities at the Norman Hotel the annual Chairman’s Christmas raffle saw prizes of $100k up for grabs to our S. Kidman and Hancock Ag employees. The winners came from across the country including Helen Springs in the NT, Maydan in Qld and Gunnee and Camperdown in NSW.
The raffle tradition is if one winner has already won before, half of his or her prize goes back into the raffle, which given one winner had won before, enabled a 4th ecstatic co-winner this year!
The acquisition of Rossi Boots follows S. Kidman & Co’s recent purchase of Driza-Bone.
Adam Giles
CEO
Hancock Agriculture and S. Kidman & Co
ABOUT S. KIDMAN & CO
S. Kidman & Co is an iconic Australian pastoral company with a rich history deeply intertwined with the country’s cattle industry. Established in 1899 by Sir Sidney Kidman, it has grown into one of the largest and most renowned beef producers in Australia. With an extensive network of cattle stations spread across the country, the company plays a pivotal role in the nation’s agricultural landscape. In 2016, S. Kidman & Co was acquired by Hancock Agriculture and joint venture partner Shanghai CRED ensuring it remained majority Australian-owned. S. Kidman & Co’s commitment to sustainable land management, innovation in cattle breeding, and dedication to preserving the heritage of the Australian outback has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of the country’s pastoral legacy.
ABOUT ROSSI BOOTS
Founded in 1910 by Arthur Rossiter in Adelaide, Rossi Boots boasts over a century of expertise in premium boot craftsmanship. Throughout its history, Rossi Boots served as a significant supplier of footwear to the Australian Army during World War I and World War II. Renowned for innovation, the brand introduced iconic designs like the Original Ripple Sole Desert Boot in 1950 and the Endura Sole in 1993, both becoming staples in various industries. Remaining committed to local manufacturing, Rossi Boots relocated to Kilburn, South Australia in 2019, continuing its legacy of authentic craftsmanship and quality footwear production
