Article by Charlie Peel courtesy of the Weekend Australian.

Gina Rinehart’s S. Kidman & Co has acquired Australian company Rossi Boots as part of its grand plan to build a fashion label to rival Andrew Forrest’s RM Williams.

It follows the purchase this month of coatmaker Driza-Bone, previously owned by the Propel group, which also owned Rossi.

Importantly for the company’s vision, acquiring Rossi gives Mrs Rinehart the “Kidman” trademark, which the company has used on one of its flagship boot models.

The plan is to build a Kidman apparel line, including footwear and clothing, to provide affordable, durable clothing that can be worn by people in the bush and in the city.

“Acquiring Rossi Boots is not just a business decision, it’s a recognition of our national history,” Mrs Rinehart said.

“From being worn on stations and farms around the country to supplying hundreds of thousands of pairs to our soldiers in World War I and World War II, Rossi represents the heart and soul of Australian craftsmanship and embodies the quintessential Australian spirit of hard work, resilience and quality.“Rossi Boots is more than just a brand, it represents a cherished part of rural Australia’s way of life.”

Mrs Rinehart, the company chairman, acquired the Kidman cattle empire in 2016 as part of a joint venture with partner Shanghai CRED.

It was founded by celebrated cattle baron Sir Sidney Kidman, who built a string of properties through the Australian outback.

Rossi Boots was founded in Adelaide in 1910 by Arthur Rossiter in his backyard shed and became known for producing combat boots for the Australian Defence Force. Propel purchased the company in 2020.

Mrs Rinehart, the richest person in Australia, better known for her private iron ore and coalmining business, Hancock Prospecting, and her agricultural empire, ventured into the fashion industry for the first time with the Driza-Bone purchase.

It marked the next chapter in her apparent rivalry with fellow billionaire miner and pastoralist Dr Forrest, who last month added hatmaker Akubra alongside RM Williams to his collection of heritage Australian brands.

Kidman CEO Adam Giles said the company planned to ­expand Rossi into overseas ­markets.

“We are pleased to add this iconic brand to our growing portfolio and continue the ­legacy that Arthur Rossiter ­started over a century ago,” Mr Giles said.

“Our acquisition underscores S. Kidman & Co’s dedication to preserving Australian tradition while … exploring avenues for growth and bringing Australian brands to the world stage.

“We are committed to nurturing its legacy by maintaining operations in Australia and are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”