Gilbert + Tobin has advised David Orr and Salvatore Algeri of Deloitte on the successful sale and recapitalisation of the business of Wittner Group Holdings Pty Ltd (WGH), Wittner Retail Australia Pty Ltd and Wittner Retail New Zealand Pty Ltd and (Wittner Group) to The Shoe Group Pty Ltd through a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA). G+T worked closely with David, Sal and also Dan Demir, together with many members of the Deloitte restructuring team.
The transaction provided for under the DOCA completed on 31 July 2025 and involved the transfer of the entire issued share capital in WGH from its existing shareholders to TSG.
The Wittner Group, which operates the iconic women’s footwear retail business known as ‘Wittner’, entered external administration on 16 April 2025. The sale and recapitalisation of the Wittner Group business represents a significant restructuring outcome.
The G+T team was led by Restructuring and Insolvency Co-Head and Partner Peter Bowden, with support from Partner Anna Schwartz and lawyers Andrew Fay, Becci Cartoon, Rebecca Hazeltine, Meg Parry and Katerina Kovalenko.
Commenting on the Wittner Group transaction, Peter Bowden said:
We are very pleased to have supported the Deloitte team in preserving the Wittner business and delivering this result for the Wittner Group’s stakeholders. This is another excellent example of our team’s strong retail capability, and we congratulate all parties involved.
Deloitte Turnaround and Restructuring partner and transaction lead Daniel Demir said completion of the sale and recapitalisation process represents a new chapter for the iconic Australian brand and its employees.
We are pleased that this much-loved heritage brand has found a new home in TSG. The success of the sale, which occurred in the context of a challenging retail environment, will allow for the continuation the majority of the Wittner business including retail stores and concessions, as well as the retention of over 170 employees.
Deloitte Turnaround and Restructuring partner and Voluntary Administrator, David Orr added:
The sale has also delivered a positive outcome for creditors, landlords and concession partners and we are thankful for their support throughout the administration period.
We also extend our thanks to the Wittner team, our Deloitte team and to the Gilbert + Tobin team for their invaluable hard work over the last three months in securing a future for Wittner.
