British Footweat Brand Gola Acquired by Japanese Giant Marubeni

Gola passes into Japanese hands. The British footwear and sportswear brand, as well as its parent company, the Jacobson Group, has been acquired by the Japanese conglomerate Marubeni, known as one of the largest commercial groups in its country. The holding company will also add the British group’s brand portfolio, which includes Lotus, Ravel, Frank Wright and now Gola. The value of the transaction has not been disclosed.

According to the agreement, advanced by Reuters, Jacobson will be integrated into the platform owned by Marubeni, together with its range of brands and the licensing of the Dunlop and Lonsdale brands. This decision will allow the retirement of its founder and executive chairman, Harvey Jacobson.

Gola, which was part of the Jacobson group, boosted the conglomerate’s turnover to $50 million in 2024

Gola was founded in 1905 in the United Kingdom as a sporting goods company, mainly focused on footwear. Between 1960 and 1970, Gola became one of the most popular sports brands in its home market thanks, in part, to its Harrier sneakers.

The brand was acquired in 1996 by the Jacobson Group, founded in 1982 by Harvey Jacobson. The group gave the British company a boost in international expansion, as well as in the diversification of its products, ranging from accessories to sportswear.

The Jacobson group scored a turnover of 36.4 million pounds ($49.2 million) in 2024, driven by Gola sales in Europe and the United States, according to a corporate report. The company forecasts revenue growth of up to 40% by 2025.