The Belgian chain of shoe shops BRANTANO is to acquire the retailer for Dutch shoes VVM RETAIL GROUP (turnover 63.3 million florins in 1999 with 475 employed and 47 shops). In the context of this operation, BRANTANO (turnover BF 7.35 billion in 1999 with 171 shops) will release 35 million florins, including 70% in cash and 30% in shares.