Castore acquires 160-year-old shoemaker

Companies House filings show the sportswear brand acquired a controlling interest in the shoemaker through its corporate vehicle J Sporting Club, The Telegraph first reported.

Grenson was founded in 1866 in Rushden, Northamptonshire, and supplied boots to British soldiers in both World Wars, and was one of the first businesses to register a trademark. It has since expanded into women’s footwear, trainers, and accessories.

The brand has stores across London and New York, as well as wholesale partnerships with the likes of Liberty, Harrods, and Selfridges. It delivered sales of £5.7m in 2024. 

Grenson joins Castore’s portfolio and sits alongside premium menswear brand Belstaff, which was acquired last August in a cash-free, debt-free deal.

The deal also saw Belstaff’s then-owner, Ineos, make a significant strategic investment in Castore at a holding company level.

Castore chief executive Tom Beahon said at the time: “To have the opportunity to take Belstaff through the next stage of its growth journey is a dream come true and a huge privilege. 

“We are also delighted that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos is investing in Castore, which is a demonstration of commitment to our business and global growth ambitions, and we look forward to working together to deliver on this vision.”

Last month, Castore secured a new £90m credit facility from its banking partners to support its international expansion ambitions.

The retailer said it would use the new funding to drive new retail openings across the UK and to support “continued international expansion” into key areas like the Middle East and Asian markets.