Dickies to Purchase Workboot Maker

Williamson-Dickie Mfg. Co., maker of Dickies brand work clothes announced today that it has purchased Kodiak Group Holdings Inc., Canada’s leading manufacturer and distributor of work and outdoor footwear.

The deal calls for Kodiak to operate as an affiliate of Dickies. The company will continue to manufacture and distribute its footwear and apparel through its existing channels in Canada. Begun in 1912, Kodiak is best known up north for its Kodiak and Terra brand work boots.

“This acquisition continues our North American and global growth strategy, which in part includes identifying brands and products that mirror the values and authenticity of Dickies,” said Philip Williamson, chief executive officer for Dickies. Terms of the deal were not released.

Williamson-Dickie was born in Fort Worth in 1922. From its beginnings making bib overalls, the company has expanded in to all types of outerwear, work apparel, as well as school and work uniforms. Since it is privately owned, the firm is not required to release sales figures, and doesn't. Hoover's online estimates 2006 sales at $1,100,000,000.00.