Pentland Group

Pentland Group plc is a privately held, global brand management British company, involved in the sports, outdoor and fashion markets. Based in Finchley, north London, it is owned by Stephen Rubin and family. It had sales of £973 million in 2007, making it the 42nd largest private company in the United Kingdom.

History

The success of Pentland Group can be traced back to August 1981 when Pentland Industries acquired 55% of Reebok for US$77,500. By 1983/84, Reebok accounted for 70% of Pentland's turnover. Pentland's shares rose from £0.55 at the start of 1984 to £3 by the end of the year and up to £10 in June 1985, while profits rose from £1 million in 1983 to £12.9 million in 1985. Pentland then listed 60% of Reebok in a flotation valuing the company at US$300 million.

Stephen Rubin joined Pentland at the age of 21, working for his father. He later became chairman and chief executive of Pentland, remaining so until 1998 when he split his role and appointed his son, Andrew, chief executive.