Marubeni buys Gola owner Jacobson Group to expand U.S. consumer platform.

Marubeni has acquired Jacobson Group, owner of Gola and other footwear brands, and said its U.S. consumer unit RG Barry will run the portfolio; financial terms were not disclosed.

Marubeni announced it has acquired Jacobson Group, the owner of footwear brands including Gola, Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright. The company said its U.S. consumer platform, anchored by subsidiary RG Barry, will run the brands and work with retail partners such as Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The move is described as part of Marubeni Consumer Platform's growth strategy in the U.S., and follows a March report that Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in Marubeni. Key facts: - Marubeni acquired Jacobson Group, which owns Gola, Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright and holds licensed brands Lonsdale and Dunlop. - Marubeni said its U.S. subsidiary RG Barry will operate the acquired portfolio. - The brands are expected to work with retail partners including Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's, according to a company spokesperson. - Financial terms for the acquisition were not disclosed. - Jacobson Group reported revenue growth in 2024 and said it expects a 40% rise in sales for 2025. - Berkshire Hathaway increased its stake in five Japanese trading houses in March, including Marubeni. Summary: Marubeni says the acquisition will solidify its consumer platform's expansion in the U.S. and places RG Barry in charge of the footwear portfolio while coordinating with established retailers. Undetermined at this time.