Birkenstock
Iconic German sandal maker acquired by L Catterton (LVMH's PE arm) in 2021. Taken public in October 2023. Consumers report declining quality — thinner cork, cheaper materials, and reduced quality control — while prices have risen significantly under PE ownership.
- FOUNDED
- 1774
- ACQUIRED
- L Catterton, 2021, $4.85 billion
- IMPACTS
- 2 documented
Editorial Record
maintained by DeathbyPE. Every claim links to a public source.Timeline
Birkenstock founded
Acquired by L Catterton for $4.85 billion
Birkenstock quality declining under L Catterton PE ownership as prices rise
MediumQuality DeclineSince L Catterton (LVMH's PE arm) acquired Birkenstock in 2021 and took it public in 2023, consumers report thinner cork footbeds, cheaper-feeling materials, reduced quality control, and significant price increases. Core models now $150-$170+, up substantially from pre-acquisition prices. Classic PE playbook: cut production costs while raising prices to maximize margins for IPO.
Birkenstock prices surged 30-40% under PE ownership ahead of IPO
MediumPrice IncreaseL Catterton drove aggressive price increases on Birkenstock products after its 2021 acquisition, raising average prices 30-40% to boost revenue numbers ahead of the October 2023 IPO. A brand once known for affordable comfort is now a luxury-priced item.
Birkenstock IPO: How LVMH's PE Arm Cashed In on the Sandal Craze
Before / After
Price increase
reported 2023
before ~$100-$120 for core models
after $150-$170+ for core models
+40%
Average price
reported 2023
before ~$100-$120
after $150-$170+
+40%
Community Reviews
Share your experience →Firsthand accounts from email-verified contributors. Community reviews are separate from the editorial record above and are not independently fact-checked.
Tracked Locations
AZ · 1
461 Main St
Phoenix, AZ 85001 · 555-497-6206
CA · 2
4848 Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90001 · 555-340-2767
3893 Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90001 · 555-802-6788
FL · 2
7272 Main St
Miami, FL 33101 · 555-101-9404
6538 Main St
Miami, FL 33101 · 555-706-5550
IN · 1
2024 Main St
Indianapolis, IN 46201 · 555-142-4356
MN · 1
5809 Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55401 · 555-803-9851
OR · 1
8142 Main St
Portland, OR 97201 · 555-696-5040
PA · 1
7888 Main St
Pittsburgh, PA 15201 · 555-950-6733
TN · 1
4002 Main St
Nashville, TN 37201 · 555-254-7431