22


DEALMAKERS


Date: 28 April 2026 Time: 08.30-11.00


Venue: Dunkenhalgh Hotel and Spa


Join decision-makers implementing AI and automation, and those considering their next steps.


Hear from business leaders and specialist practitioners on what is working, what is challenging, and how organisations are adopting new technologies while managing risk.


WANT TO ATTEND? REGISTER NOW!


SHOWCASE YOUR BUSINESS


Want to put your brand in front of key decision-makers?


For sponsorship and exhibition options, contact Joanne Hindley on 07442 949697 or joanne@lancashirebusinessview.co.uk


Brought to you by: NEW GOALS FOR GOLA


In America it is called the ‘retro sneaker craze’ and it’s the reason why a Japanese business backed by legendary investor Warren Buffett set its eyes on a Rossendale family business.


Gola, the iconic 121-year-old British heritage sportswear brand, headquartered in the valley, proved to be a valuable proposition for a company looking to make major inroads as a US leisure lifestyle player.


The deal, announced in January, saw the Marubeni Corporation acquire the Jacobson Group, whose lifestyle footwear brands include Gola, famous for its football and Britpop links, as well as other well-known names Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright.


Jacobson’s impressive portfolio also includes two more licensed brands, Dunlop and Lonsdale, which have a great British heritage and, like Gola, distinctive and instantly recognisable logos. The company distributes its products in more than 30 countries, primarily across the UK, North America, and Europe.


No figure has officially been put on the deal. However, one report has placed it in the region of $64m.


In association with:


The acquisition is part of Marubeni’s strategy to enter the consumer sector in the US, through its brand management company RG Barry Corporation (RGB).


RGB, which handles a variety of footwear brands, was established in 1947. It currently boasts the top share in the US slipper market, a market estimated at approximately $3bn.


The Jacobson sale is the latest in a string of recent deals that have seen Lancashire businesses bought up by major international concerns. And it was timed to coincide with the retirement of Harvey Jacobson, the founder and executive chairman of the group that bears his name.


A well-known North West entrepreneur, Harvey started the business with his brother in the early 1980s and it has grown from a family


father on Saturday mornings, selling shoes on market stalls, said: “I am hugely proud of everything Jacobson Group has achieved since my brother and I launched the business in 1982.


“It has been a privilege to steward these iconic British footwear brands, and I would like to thank all our employees for the commitment and dedication they have shown to our family business over many decades.


“As we look to the future, Marubeni and RGB Brands offer the ideal platform, vision, and long-term commitment to take Jacobson’s brands into their next phase of growth.


As we look to the future, Marubeni and RGB


Brands offer the ideal platform, vision, and long- term commitment to take Jacobson’s brands into their next phase of growth


company into a globally recognised, multi-brand footwear giant, with a turnover in 2024 of more than £36m.


The main driver for growth was Gola’s US and European sales and the business, based in Rawtenstall, had forecast more to come before the sale.


Harvey, whose early life was spent helping his


“I am confident the business will continue to go from strength to strength, and I wish everyone at Jacobson, RGB and Marubeni every success as they embark on this exciting new chapter together.”


The business will continue to be led by its existing leadership team of Tony Evans, Gary Shutt, Jonathan Jacobson, and Donna Hill.


IN ASSOCIATION WITH:


By Ged Henderson


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70