becoming a must-have item for children in the school yard. The 1970s saw the creation of its first trainers.


Harvey Jacobson bought Gola in 1996 and as it grew into a lifestyle brand it was worn by Britpop legends including Robbie Williams and Oasis’ Gallagher brothers.


And in 2024, the style bible Vogue hailed Gola trainers one of “fashion’s most wanted shoes.”


Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway investment arm increased its stake in five trading houses Japan last March, including Marubeni, and according to reports it holds around nine per cent of the business.


Tony Evans


Chief executive Tony Evans said: “We have never been in a stronger position, and joining this platform will allow us to build on that momentum while remaining true to the values that make Jacobson Group so special.


“This acquisition represents a major milestone for the business, and I look forward to working closely with the RGB and Marubeni teams to drive growth across the globe.”


RG Barry has been busy in recent months. In November last year it announced an agreement in principle to acquire the global licence for Clarks shoes and the US licence for Timberland from Green Market Services. Both brands are well-known to UK shoppers.


And parent group Marubeni acquired a 100 per cent stake in Japanese skincare and cosmetics brand ETVOS in February as part of a global push into consumer markets.


Based in Tokyo, the publicly listed company is valued by market capitalisation around $56bn. Founded in 1858, it operates in 68 countries and specialised in global trading, investment, and project management across diverse sectors including energy, metals, food, and infrastructure.


Its ‘Next Generation Corporate Development Division’ aims to capture growth in high-potential consumer-related businesses through investments and M&A, with the aim of building businesses that will become “new pillars” of Marubeni in 2030.


RGB’s president and chief executive Bob Mullaney has described the Jacobson deal as a ‘transformative moment’ for the business.


It comes as growing numbers of consumers, particularly in the USA, turn to iconic retro sports and leisure brands – many of which, like Gola, have stood the test of time.


As Bob Mullaney explained: “Gola brings cultural relevance and global ambition, and the broader Jacobson portfolio extends the platform’s reach across lifestyle and heritage categories.


“Our values are closely aligned, and we are committed to investing in what already makes these brands distinctive.


“By pairing Jacobson’s strengths with RGB’s scale, infrastructure, and operational excellence, we are well-positioned to accelerate growth across key international markets.”


Marubeni chief operating officer Toshihiro Fukumura explained: “We see the clear trend in retro and heritage sneakers, so it was a perfect fit.”


Harvey Jacobson


Gola can trace its history all the way back to 1905. However, it really rose in popularity in the 1960s, supplying football boots to Liverpool FC and gaining and endorsement from England’s 1966 World Cup winning manager Alf Ramsey. He later sat on the Gola board as a non- executive director.


The decade also saw the launch of Gola’s sportswear and accessories, with its bags


Expert View


HOW TO BANK ON SUPPORT By David Filmer,


Partner and head of corporate, Forbes


Securing bank funding is rarely wholly about finances alone. From experience advising businesses when it comes to finance matters, preparation, credibility and judgement also play a significant role, alongside the numbers.


A bank primarily manages risk, therefore, a company’s goal in securing finance ought to be making their credit decision as clear and justifiable as possible.


The first step in doing so is often to have a clear purpose as to why there is a need for funding. Whether this be for growth, refinancing, an acquisition or in relation to working capital, those who can evidence a specific requirement are better positioned than those who seek funding for unclear or opportunistic reasons.


If a solid foundation can be established as to why, it should be supported by accurate and credible data, even if this is conservative. Lenders tend to favour estimates that show an understanding of risk and cash-flow sensitivities, rather than overly optimistic projections.


Alongside thorough evaluations and the understanding of risk, security structures are important, with most bank lending traditionally requiring some form of fixed


and / or floating charges over assets, and sometimes personal guarantees from shareholders or directors too.


These charges have lasting effects, particularly if the company needs more funding or investment at a later date. Obtaining legal advice early on can help ensure that the security arrangements are reasonable and, equally, do not restrict future flexibility too much.


Whilst it may not necessarily be the first factor that comes to mind, maintaining relationships with a bank is also crucial.


Banks are often more likely to back businesses they have developed an established rapport with. Regular communication and updates can help build trust and often leads to more productive discussions when funding is needed.


A good example of how strong fundamentals and lender relationships work together is the Eric Wright Group’s £30m revolving credit facility with NatWest.


This funding was renewed to advance working capital and ongoing development within the group and epitomises that with strong groundwork, successful funding is achievable with a disciplined approach and the right professional help.


LANCASHIREBUSINES SV IEW.CO.UK exposure Online


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The 95-year-old is one of the best-known investors in the world and according to reports is the 10th richest person in the world.


The legendary business guru stepped down as Berkshire Hathaway’s chief executive at the start of 2026. He remains its chairman.


In a report in February, The Wall Street Journal commented: “Warren Buffett’s longstanding bet on corporate Japan keeps paying off.”


It’s a bet that aims to deliver positive returns to east Lancashire.


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