The British brand Gola is coming under Japanese ownership. The UK-made sportswear and footwear label, along with its parent company, the Jacobson Group, has been acquired by the Japanese conglomerate Marubeni, recognized as one of the country’s retail giants. The holding company will thus expand its portfolio with the British group’s brands, which include Lotus, Ravel, Frank Wright, and, of course, Gola. The amount of the deal has not been disclosed.
According to the agreement, as reported by Reuters, Jacobson will join Marubeni’s platform, bringing its own brand portfolio as well as licenses for the Dunlop and Lonsdale labels. This transaction will allow founder and executive chairman Harvey Jacobson to retire.
A Century-Old Legacy and a Diversification Strategy
As reported by Modaes, Gola helped boost the British group’s revenue to 42 million euros in 2024. Founded in 1905 in the United Kingdom as a sporting goods company, initially focused on footwear, Gola became one of the most popular sports brands in its domestic market between the 1960s and 1970s, thanks in large part to the success of its “Harrier” sneakers.
The brand was acquired in 1996 by the Jacobson Group, founded in 1982 by Harvey Jacobson. The conglomerate drove the sportswear brand’s international expansion and the diversification of its product line, which now ranges from accessories to athletic apparel.
Sustained Growth and Outlook for 2025
In 2024, the Jacobson Group reported revenue of 36.4 million pounds (42 million euros), driven by Gola’s sales in Europe and the United States, according to a company report. The company forecasts revenue growth of up to 40% by 2025.