H.R. Trask (Bozeman) bought out by California shoe company

A California footwear company announced its plan to acquire a Bozeman-based shoe designer Monday.

By KELLYN BROWN, Chronicle Staff Writer

Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc., based in Carlsbad, Calif., will buy locally owned H.S. Trask & Co., if stockholders approve the deal.

"Today’s acquisition is consistent with our long-term strategy of prudently expanding our brand portfolio," James Riedman, Phoenix CEO, said in a prepared statement.

H.S. Trask designs men’s casual boots and shoes made from longhorn, bison and elk leather. The soft-leather shoes sell nationwide at a variety of retail chains, ranging from Bob Ward’s to Nordstrom.

As part of the deal, Harrison Trask, chairman of the company, will join the Phoenix Footwear management team.

Trask did not return phone messages inquiring about the deal left at his company headquarters in Bozeman Thursday. Also, no one was available to comment on the affect the merger will have on business locally.

"We are pleased to align ourselves with a company that shares our philosophy of having a high a commitment to the integrity of its brands," Trask said in a prepared statement.

Formerly the Daniel Green Company, Phoenix Footwear Group Inc. was founded in 1882.

The company manufactures two shoe lines, Softwalk and Trotters, women’s casual and dress shoes that sell at about 5,000 stores. Phoenix boasts that it was the fastest-growing footwear firm during the three-year period of 1999 to 2001.

"H.S. Trask has achieved strong market penetration and a loyal customer base," said Phoenix’s Chief Operating Officer Greg Tunney. "Now, with the addition of Phoenix Footwear’s resources, we feel we can profitably transition the H.S. Trask brand into a full-scale line of men’s casual footwear."

The exact terms of the proposed transaction were not disclosed, but the parties are expected to sign a definite agreement soon.

The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2003.

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