Marubeni Acquires British Sportswear Brand Gola

LONDON: Japanese trading giant Marubeni has acquired iconic British sportswear brand Gola, aiming to capitalise on the growing global popularity of retro-style trainers and sneakers.

The company announced on Wednesday that its subsidiary, Marubeni Consumer Platform US (MCPU), has purchased Jacobson Group, a UK-based footwear portfolio owner. Alongside Gola, the acquisition includes well-known brands Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright, as well as licensed labels Dunlop and Lonsdale.

As part of the deal, Jacobson Group will be folded into MCPU’s expanding lifestyle platform. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

MCPU President Shana Randhava said the acquisition strengthens the company’s platform strategy and comes at a pivotal moment, as Gola continues to gain strong market traction driven by rising consumer interest in vintage-inspired footwear.

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Founded in 1905, Gola boasts a rich sporting heritage. Its trainers and football boots rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, famously worn by players of Liverpool Football Club and Alf Ramsey, the manager who led England to victory in the 1966 FIFA World Cup.

It was bought in 1996 by Jacobson Group, which revived the brand, attracting celebrity fans, including singers Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams as well as actor Jude Law.

Jacobson Group recorded turnover of 36.4 million pounds ($49 million) in 2024, driven by Gola sales in Europe and the United States, according to a corporate filing. It forecast 40% revenue growth in 2025.

Jacobson Group’s sale to Marubeni will see Harvey Jacobson, the group’s founder and executive chairman, retire.