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“It all started in the 1930s with the Liverpool Shoe Company.”
History
Pentland Group plc was founded in the early 1930s in Liverpool, England. It was then called the Liverpool Shoe Company because it dealt purely in shoes; first a wholesale shoe business, then expanding into a manufacturing business.
Always displaying innovation and creativity, Pentland was one of the first companies to manufacture from Asia, forming a division in Hong Kong in the early 1960s. In 1981 Pentland purchased the majority share of a tiny US company called Reebok. After a 10-year period of growth, Reebok was sold. In the 1990s Pentland bought brands and now proudly has a portfolio of some of the greatest international sports, outdoor and fashion brands globally.
History at a glance
1930s
Begins life as the Liverpool Shoe Company in 1932 selling fashion shoes to UK retailers.
1960s - 1970s
Company floats on London Stock Exchange in 1964. In 1973 the company name is changed to Pentland Industries Ltd.
1980s
55% stake in Reebok USA acquired in 1981. 55% stake in Reebok International acquired in 1984. Appointed UK distributor for Ellesse and Kickers. In 1989 Pentland Industries Ltd. changes its name to Pentland Group plc.
1990s
In 1991, Pentland sells Reebok shareholding. Pentland builds its portfolio of brands by purchasing Speedo, Berghaus, Brasher, Ellesse, Mitre, KangaROOS and Red or Dead.
Pentland acquires Franco Sarto in 1993. Becomes the worldwide licensee for Lacoste footwear. In 1999 the company is privatised.
2000s
Pentland becomes worldwide licensee for Ted Baker footwear in 2001.
In 2005 Pentland acquires 57% of JD Sports Fashion plc which operates the JD Sports, Size, Bank and Scotts retail chains in the UK.
In 2006 Pentland purchases Boxfresh and ONETrueSaxon and acquires share of Hunter Boot Ltd.
In 2007 Pentland acquires share of Radcliffe Denim.
In 2008 Pentland acquires share of Gio-Goi.
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Copyright © 2009 Pentland Brands plc. All rights reserved. All trademarks acknowledged. *Pentland is proud to be an investor in these great brands
