International clothing chain RM Williams, whose owners have included the actor Hugh Jackman, is closer to opening a store in Edinburgh, its first outlet in Scotland.
The firm, founded in Australia almost a century ago, revealed its plans in September and it has now submitted an application for the store in the former ESPC unit in George Street.
The brand is famous for the iconic Chelsea leather boots which are handcrafted in Australia.
In February 2016, LVMH took full ownership of the company. Three years later R.M. Williams was placed for sale, with its owners reportedly seeking $500 million. It was acquired by L Catterton, owning 82%, IFM Investors 13% and actor Hugh Jackman taking the remaining 5%.
Mining billionaire Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s private investment company Tattarang bought the bootmaker in October 2020 for $190m in a deal that delivered a reported $10m return to Jackman.
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