Vida Shoes International, Inc. Acquires Andre Assous Footwear

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Victor Dabah, CEO of Vida Shoes International, Inc., a global leader in designing, producing, marketing and distributing footwear, has announced the acquisition of the Andre Assous company. Mr. Assous is known to many in the footwear industry as the "King of Espadrilles," and is also a member of the board of directors of the Fashion Footwear Association of New York (FFANY) and Footwear News Hall of Fame, into which he was inducted in 2003.

According to Mr. Dabah, "Andre Assous is more than just a brand name, he is a real person successfully designing and producing designer shoes that are timeless, classic fashion statements. Vida Shoes International, Inc. looks forward to establishing a long term global retail and marketing alliance with Andre Assous." Mr. Assous will continue in his role as creative visionary/designer. Mr. Assous will work with Solomon Dabah, President of Vida Shoes International, Inc., and other members of the Vida management team to strategically grow the business and broaden its market penetration.

"The international presence my brand will now receive affords me the opportunity to focus my creative passion on what I do best, designing shoes. This is the life-long dream I have had for my company," says Mr. Assous.

Commenting on the acquisition, Solomon Dabah says, "Andre Assous has established brand equity built up over the years and we look forward to reaching even more retailers and consumers with this relationship."

Andre Assous will headquarter at Vida Shoes International, Inc.'s New York office on 56th Street with a showroom on the first floor. The brand will also maintain its current showroom on 57th Street in Manhattan.