Marubeni acquires Gola owner Jacobson Group
Japanese conglomerate Marubeni has acquired UK-based Jacobson Group, the owner of footwear and sportswear brand Gola, through its Marubeni Consumer Platform US (MCPU) unit. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Jacobson Group will be integrated into MCPU’s lifestyle platform. Its portfolio includes Gola, Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright, along with licensed brands Dunlop and Lonsdale. MCPU President Shana Randhava said the deal supports the group’s platform strategy and reflects growing market demand for Gola.
Founded in 1905, Gola rose to prominence in the 1960s and 1970s through football and has since been repositioned as a retro brand with strong international sales.
Jacobson Group reported turnover of £36.4 million (€42.6 million) in 2024, equivalent to about $49 million (€45.0 million), and forecast 40% revenue growth in 2025. Founder and executive chairman Harvey Jacobson will retire following the sale.
