The two companies have been partnering in the footwear sector for the past five years. Deichmann has had Esprit shoes in its range since 2019, and the two companies have been developing joint collections since 2020.
The German retailer is negotiating the Esprit brand rights, as the previously planned deal with the British investor Alteri is apparently only making slow progress. The purchase agreement with Alteri has not yet been signed.
In May, Esprit Europe GmbH and six other group companies of the fashion group filed for bankruptcy under self-administration. In early August, it was announced that the fashion group would close all of its 56 branches in Germany by the end of the year.
