Lafuma, the French outdoor group, said that preliminary talks held with E-Land for a potential takeover by the Korean group had not revealed sufficient synergies between the two companies. Lafuma confirmed last month that it had been approached by E-Land and agreed to hold discussions with the Korean group, which sells Berghaus and many other brands in the country. However, the talks have apparently shown that a tie-up with E-Land would not significantly help the French company to implement its international strategy, or to support its capital. Lafuma said that it would therefore continue to roll out its strategic plan focusing on its sports and outdoor brands, as illustrated by its divestment of Le Chameau last month. Meanwhile, Lafuma has completed the sale of Le Chameau to Marwyn Management Partners for €16.5 million, as envisaged in the offer that the Paris-listed group received from the British investment firm at the end of September. Le Chameau, whose high-end rubber boots sell for up to €699 a pair and were photographed being worn by the British royals, posted net sales of €24 million in the financial year ended Sept. 30. The net proceeds related to the transaction will be mainly used to repay the group's debts, which amounted to about €59 million in the first half ended last March 31.

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