Outdoor footwear and apparel brand Ariat International has been acquired by an existing shareholder, the San Francisco-based Fisher family which founded the Gap brand.

Ariat primarily produces Western and English boots, but has diversified into related footwear and added denim, apparel and accessories to its product range.

John Fisher, who will serve on the Ariat board, said: "For almost 20 years, we have been partners with Beth Cross (CEO of Ariat) and her management team as they built Ariat into a world-class company and brand. We are excited to continue that partnership and support the next phase of Ariat's global growth