Jacobson Group’s growth journey with IGF

Independent Growth Finance (IGF), one of the UK’s leading independent, privately owned specialty finance companies, is celebrating the successful conclusion of a six-year funding partnership with footwear group D. Jacobson & Sons Limited, following the company’s acquisition by Japanese conglomerate Marubeni Corporation.

While the departure of a long-standing client is naturally bittersweet, IGF is delighted to have been able to support Jacobson through a dynamic period in its history.

Founded more than 40 years ago and best known as the owner of iconic British footwear brands including Gola, Lotus and Ravel, Jacobson has grown into an internationally recognised footwear business, supplying major retailers across the UK, Europe and North America.

IGF first partnered with Jacobson Group in 2020 following an introduction by KPMG, the international advisory firm, providing a flexible asset-based lending facility designed to support the business’s growth ambitions and provide the working capital needed to navigate both opportunities and challenges over the years that followed. Through this period, we have been flexible in understanding their requirements and amended and varied our facilities as circumstances warranted.

During the partnership, Jacobson Group successfully continued the development of its portfolio of heritage brands, expanded international distribution and strengthened its position within the global footwear market. Most notably, the Gola brand – founded in 1905 and famously associated with British football and sporting heritage – continued its resurgence as demand for authentic heritage brands grew to strengthen its market position across global markets.

In January 2026, Jacobson Group entered a new chapter when it was acquired by Marubeni Corporation, one of Japan’s largest trading and investment groups. The acquisition provides the business with access to significant international resources and a platform to accelerate future growth while preserving the culture and heritage that have defined the company for generations.

As a result of the acquisition, Jacobson no longer requires a stand-alone credit facility and concluded its funding relationship with IGF at the end of June.

For IGF, this represents a success story that highlights the role specialist funding can play throughout a company’s growth journey.

Steve Chait, CEO of IGF, commented: “At IGF, we often talk about being a growth finance partner. The Jacobson story is a great example of what that means in practice. Over the last six years, we have had the privilege of supporting an exceptional management team as they continued to grow and strengthen a fantastic British business. While we’re naturally sorry to see them leave, the reason they’re leaving is exactly the kind of success we want for our clients.

“The acquisition by Marubeni is a tremendous achievement for everyone involved and a reflection of the quality of the business that Harvey Jacobson and the wider team have built. We are proud to have played a part in that journey and wish them every success for the future.”

Commenting on the partnership, Gary Shutt, Jacobson Group finance director said: “IGF has been a highly supportive funding partner to Jacobson Group over the past six years, providing the flexibility and understanding we needed as the business continued to develop its brand portfolio, expand internationally and respond to changing market conditions.

“The facility played an important role in giving us the working capital confidence to pursue our growth ambitions, and IGF’s pragmatic approach made them a valued partner throughout that journey.”

Managing director at Interpath, Howard Smith, who supported the re-finance to IGF, said: “We are delighted for Harvey and the team on this very successful outcome. The Jacobson team have proved great custodians of the Gola brand, together with a number of other leading footwear brands including Lotus and Ravel. We wish them all the best for the future as they embark on this new chapter.”

For IGF, it is another reminder that growth finance is about more than funding transactions. It is about supporting businesses through every stage of their journey and helping create the outcomes that founders, management teams and investors aspire to achieve.