The most famous British brand recently announced its intention to go public.
A small revolution for this emblem, created in the 1960s and which was adopted by the British police, then by skinheads and punks.
Today Doc Martens sells 11 million pairs a year.
The mention of the name Doc Martens is enough for many to dive into their youth, past or present.
Launched in 1946, the iconic British brand, which was the favorite brand of skinheads and punks in the 1960s and 1970s, announced on Monday its intention to go public.
Back on a "so British" saga.
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Doc Martens is first and foremost an orthopedic shoe, manufactured by a German doctor, Dr. Klaus Martens.
With its air-cushioned sole, it is supposed to make life easier for workers, postmen and employees of the London Underground.
Its timeless strength: a shoe that is both solid and comfortable.
Very quickly, moreover, the British police officers adopted it too.
And then in the 1960s, it was the skinheads who put it on, especially because its metal shell was very popular for combat.
The punks also got involved in the 1970s. Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, the singers of The Who and the Sex Pistols made it the essential accessory for protesting youth all over the world.
One goal: to double the number of stores
Today, 11 million pairs are still sold each year, made mainly in Vietnam and Indonesia, and, for a very small part, in Great Britain.
Today at the helm of this symbol of non-conformism is the British investment fund Permira.
It was he who bought Doc Martens from the descendants of its founders six years ago, for more than 350 million euros.
Today he plans to list on the stock market by selling 25% of the capital, enough to multiply the stake probably by six or seven. No date has been put forward, but there is indeed a project: to double the number of stores - there are now 110 - and develop online sales to be less dependent on resellers.