A beloved British fashion and sportswear institution has passed into foreign hands, marking the conclusion of a 120-year chapter. Gola, the iconic trainer brand, has been sold by its long-term family owners to the Japanese conglomerate, Marubeni Corporation.
A Rich Heritage of British Style and Sport
Founded in Leicester in 1905 as Joseph Leeson & Sons, Gola first made its name crafting handmade leather football boots. Its reputation soared in the 1960s with the launch of the Harrier shoe, now available as a trainer in over 500 colour combinations. The brand became a fixture in British culture, worn by 1970s football managers like Sir Alf Ramsey and Bill Shankly, and later adopted by rock musicians including the Gallagher brothers and Paul Weller.
Its appeal stretched across sports and entertainment. Sprinter Anita Neal, the first Black British woman Olympian, graced the cover of Athletics Weekly in Gola in 1972. Even Superman actor Christopher Reeve was pictured in a Gola sweatshirt at the 1987 'It's a Royal Knockout' event at Alton Towers. More recently, the brand has been hailed by Vogue and worn by celebrities from actor Ethan Hawke to model Suki Waterhouse.
Industry Experts React to the Sale
Dr Naomi Braithwaite, an associate professor in fashion at Nottingham School of Art and Design, commented on the significance of the move. "Gola’s strength for so long is that it is British through and through. Undoubtedly this will feel like a loss," she said. She praised the brand's "wonderful, rich history" and noted that surviving 120 years in the global footwear market is "no mean feat."
Dr Braithwaite, who worked in the UK footwear industry in the 1990s, recalled Gola's strong Lancashire heritage and its reputation for cool, subcultural style. She pointed to the broader decline of British footwear manufacturing since the 1980s, when offshore competition intensified, affecting centres in both Lancashire and Leicester.
What Does the Future Hold for Gola?
The sale, which includes other brands like Ravel and Lotus from the Jacobson Group, comes with immediate reassurances. A spokesperson confirmed there are no planned redundancies or moves to relocate manufacturing from Britain, with all processes staying in the UK. The existing leadership team will also remain in place.
However, Dr Braithwaite expressed cautious optimism mixed with concern. "Can a brand really still be considered British if it’s no longer in British hands? Only time will tell," she questioned. While hopeful the new owners will stay true to their word, she suggested Marubeni may see opportunities to target new consumer groups, which could shift the brand's core identity.
"This change in ownership is unsettling to what remains of the British fashion and footwear industry, as it brings uncertainty," she added. The Jacobson Group, which reported revenues of £36.4 million and pre-tax profits of £3.94 million in its latest financial year, stated the sale would "accelerate growth across key international markets."
Ultimately, the sale of Gola highlights the challenges faced by independent brands in a volatile economy. As one of Britain's last standing heritage sportswear names changes ownership, fans and industry watchers alike will be watching closely to see if this iconic brand can retain its unique British character under its new Japanese stewardship.
