Who bought the British brand Gola?

The Japanese conglomerate Marubeni has acquired the British sportswear brand Gola.

When was Gola founded and who owned it before the sale?

Gola was founded in 1905 and was previously owned by the Jacobson Group since 1996.

Will the sale of Gola impact UK jobs?

Gola's CEO stated that the sale is expected to create more jobs in the UK, not fewer.

Home / Business and Economy / British Sneaker Icon Gola Acquired by Marubeni

British Sneaker Icon Gola Acquired by Marubeni

8 Jan

•

Summary

Gola, a 120-year-old British brand, has been sold to Marubeni.
The Jacobson Group, Gola's owner since 1996, cited growth in the US market.
The sale is expected to create more UK jobs and boost US presence.

Gola, the renowned British sportswear brand established in 1905, has been acquired by the Japanese conglomerate Marubeni. The Jacobson Group, which has owned Gola since 1996, announced the sale for an undisclosed sum, marking a significant shift for the 120-year-old company.

The acquisition aligns with Marubeni's strategy to expand its lifestyle platform through its US footwear subsidiary, RG Barry. Gola's recent success, driven by demand for retro trainers and strong performance of archive releases, made it an attractive target. The US has emerged as its primary market, contributing to projected revenue growth exceeding 40% for 2024.

Jacobson Group's CEO, Tony Evans, stated the acquisition would facilitate business development in the US and bolster RG Barry's UK and European operations. He emphasized that the move represents positive inward investment, with no anticipated job losses in the UK and a potential for job creation.