In what year did VF Corporation acquire Vans?

VF Corporation acquired Vans in 2004. The transaction was completed on June 30, 2004, when Vans became a wholly owned VF subsidiary.

Vans began as the Van Doren Rubber Company in Anaheim, California, in 1966. Its direct-to-consumer approach and strong association with skateboarding eventually turned the regional shoe company into an attractive acquisition target.

VF announced the planned merger in April 2004 and completed it two months later for total consideration of about $396 million, including cashed-out stock options. A common mix-up is confusing the announcement date with the completion date: both events occurred in 2004, but the completed acquisition was finalized on June 30.

The deal placed Vans alongside other major VF brands, helping the label expand its international footwear, apparel, and action-sports business while retaining its distinct identity.