Paris-based private equity company Apax Partners has acquired a minority stake in French footwear wholesaler the Royer Group, alongside the group’s founders, Jacques and Alain Royer. This should enable Royer, which recently acquired French footwear brand Kickers, to accelerate its international development through organic and external growth.

Having sold over 25 million shoes under licence in 2006, the Royer Group distributes around 30 brands through both independent and mass market retailers.