The Swiss sock supplier Jacob Rohner AG has expanded its portfolio. On Tuesday, the group announced the complete takeover of the Zurich-based socks and underwear retailer Blacksocks SA. The company said it had been “agreed not to disclose” the purchase price.
With the completion of the transaction on September 15, Rohner CEO Hermann Lion took over the position of managing director at Blacksocks, according to a statement. The previous owner and company boss Samy Liechti will “assist the new management in an advisory capacity for the next three months”.
Rohner also explained that the Blacksocks location in Zurich and the employees there will be “taken over for the time being”. The company emphasized that “nothing will change for the time being” for the customers of the sender, which is best known for its socks and underwear subscriptions. “As usual, high-quality socks and first-class underwear are offered by subscription or as individual deliveries.”
Blacksocks co-founder Liechti sees his “baby” “in good hands” with the new owner
CEO Lion explained the background to the takeover: “This acquisition will position us as a market leader in the D2C channel and we are pleased to be able to serve Blacksocks customers with our quality,” he explained in a statement. “As an Internet pioneer, Blacksocks has created an excellent basis on which we can further develop the business.”
The “good name” of Blacksocks should “continue to exist and be further developed as a brand,” emphasized Lion. “We see great potential in production, logistics and distribution to make Blacksocks fit for the next 25 years. We would like to use synergies, expand them and incorporate our many years of experience.”
The previous owner and managing director Liechti, who was one of the founders of Blacksocks almost 25 years ago, was satisfied with the solution that has now been found: “I am convinced that my baby is in good hands at Jacob Rohner AG and will continue to flourish. Blacksocks is a perfect fit for Jacob Rohner AG and I am happy for everyone,” he said in a statement.