KICL, the flagship company of the diversified D C Kothari Group, acquired footwear brands Zodiz and Jeetlo for an undisclosed sum, further expanding its presence in the mass-market footwear segment, an official said.
Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd had previously acquired noted overseas brands, including Kickers, and has set up a non-leather footwear park in Tamil Nadu’s Perambalur district.
The acquisition of Zodiz and Jeetlo, along with their associated sub-brands, will come into effect from August 4, 2025, the company said in a statement on Saturday.
The Zodiz brand is promoted by Coimbatore-based Zaimus Trends Pvt Ltd and is known for its affordable footwear offerings.
Jeetlo, promoted by Haryana-based Jeetlo.Com India Pvt Ltd, has a strong presence across e-commerce platforms.
The acquisition is expected to provide KICL with a firm foothold in underserved and fast-growing consumer segments. Both brands retail products priced below Rs 1,000 per pair, catering to a quality-conscious and value-driven market.
Citing industry data, KICL said that footwear priced under Rs 1,000 accounts for nearly 80 per cent of total consumption, with the sector estimated to be valued between Rs 80,000 crore and Rs 85,000 crore annually.
“This is not just an acquisition; it marks the beginning of a new chapter that will unlock value for consumers, partners, and stakeholders,” said KICL executive chairman Jinnah Rafiq Ahmed.
The company plans to focus its marketing strategy on tier-II and tier-III cities, offering products that align with evolving fashion sensibilities while ensuring comfort for daily wear, he added.
Ahmed noted that the Indian footwear market is undergoing a “profound transformation”, with per capita consumption currently at 1.9 pairs per annum-a figure expected to double by 2030.
The domestic footwear industry is at a pivotal moment. India is witnessing a rapid shift in consumer preferences. Footwear is no longer seen as mere utility-it has evolved into a symbol of personal style and self-expression, he said.
