
Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. owns and operates several brands in North America, including Cleveland Golf, which it purchased in 2007. Cleveland Golf is a sporting goods company that creates golf equipment. The company was founded as Cleveland Classics by Roger Cleveland in 1979 and was first purchased by ski equipment manufacturer Skis Rossignol in 1990. It was then purchased by Quiksilver, Inc. in 2005 and operated until December 2007, when it was acquired by Dunlop Sport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of acquisition | 2007 |
| Acquirer | Dunlop Sport, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. |
| Acquired company | Cleveland Golf |
| Acquired company's headquarters | Huntington Beach, California |
| Acquired company's founder | Roger Cleveland |
| Acquired company's specialty | Wedges, golf equipment |
| Acquirer's business | Sports goods, tires, industrial products |
| Acquirer's headquarters | Kobe, Japan |
| Acquirer's annual revenue | $8,000,000,000 (USD) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn

Dunlop Sports Americas is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries
Dunlop Sports Americas, formerly known as Roger Cleveland Golf Company, Inc. (RCGC), is a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, Ltd. (SRI). SRI is a global leader in tires, materials, industrial products, and sports, with a yearly sales revenue of nearly $8,000,000,000 (USD equivalent). The company is based in Kobe, Japan, and has a strong presence in the North American market through its subsidiaries and brands.
Dunlop Sports Americas is a key part of SRI's sports business, which operates under the Dunlop brand umbrella. This includes brands such as XXIO, Srixon, and Cleveland Golf, each with its own unique identity and product line. Cleveland Golf, a subsidiary of SRI Sports Limited, was acquired by Dunlop Sports in 2007 and has since benefited from Dunlop's cutting-edge technology and classic design aesthetics.
The alignment of golf and racket sports branding under the Dunlop name in North America showcases the global reach and scope of the Dunlop business. This strategic move aims to build on the brand's existing awareness and strength in the US market, aligning it with other top strategic regions for the company, including Japan and South Korea. By consolidating its brands and linking golf with racket sports, SRI strengthens its global brand and marketing capabilities.
Dunlop has a rich history in sports innovation and quality. Since its early days of producing golf and tennis balls in Japan, Dunlop has pursued top quality by listening to user feedback and refining its designs. This conscientious approach to product development has been a hallmark of the brand for over 130 years. Today, Dunlop continues to support top athletes worldwide by providing them with top-notch gear, helping them stay at the top of their game.
Golf Tee: What It Is and Why You Need It
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cleveland Golf was founded by Roger Cleveland in 1979
Cleveland Golf, a sporting goods company that manufactures golf equipment, was founded by Roger Cleveland in 1979 as Cleveland Classics Golf Company. The company was born out of Roger's passion for golf and his expertise in club-building. The first club he ever made was a reproduction of Bobby Jones' Calamity Jane putter, which he took to the PGA show and sold 500 orders. This marked the beginning of his journey in the golf industry.
Cleveland Classics Golf Company initially focused on persimmon woods, but Roger quickly expanded the company's scope to include the production of wedges. He utilized his connections with professional tours to test his designs. Roger's craftsmanship and innovation in wedge design earned him a reputation as one of the most sought-after clubmakers in the world. In 1988, Cleveland Golf launched the iconic Cleveland 588 wedge, which went on to claim numerous PGA Tour victories.
In 1990, Roger sold the company to ski equipment manufacturer Rossignol, and the name was changed to Cleveland Golf. During his time with Cleveland Golf, Roger played a pivotal role in shaping the company's success and establishing its reputation for innovation and performance. After his departure from the company in 1995, he joined Callaway Golf, where he spent nearly three decades as their chief club designer.
In 2005, Quiksilver, Inc. purchased the assets of Rossignol and operated Cleveland Golf until December 2007. At that point, Dunlop Sport, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd., purchased Cleveland Golf. This acquisition brought Cleveland Golf under the Dunlop brand umbrella, combining classic design with Dunlop's cutting-edge technology. The alignment with Dunlop allowed Cleveland Golf to reach a wider audience and further solidified its presence in the global golf equipment market.
Fix Your Golf Slice with These Simple Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Dunlop began producing golf balls in 1909
Dunlop was founded in 1888 in Ireland by John Boyd Dunlop, who invented the world's first pneumatic tire. The company was established with the goal of enhancing his son's tricycle riding experience. Over time, Dunlop expanded its innovative technologies beyond tires and entered the sporting goods market, leveraging its expertise in rubber products.
In the realm of golf equipment, Dunlop has consistently pursued top quality. They have achieved this by actively seeking feedback from their users and top professional golfers, continuously refining their designs, and incorporating cutting-edge technology. This conscientious approach to product development has remained a key characteristic of the company.
Dunlop's involvement in the golf industry has extended beyond just manufacturing equipment. They have actively supported and sponsored golf tournaments and related activities through their wellness business. This includes operating a nationwide chain of golf schools, sponsoring golf tournaments, and engaging in various initiatives to promote sports and enrich the lives of those who participate.
In 2007, Cleveland Golf became a part of the Dunlop Group. Cleveland Golf, founded by Roger Cleveland, specialized in wedges and was known for its classic designs. By combining Cleveland Golf's design aesthetics with Dunlop's technology, the brand gained popularity among top professional golfers worldwide.
Theegala's Golf Journey: From Arizona to the PGA
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$4.99 $5.99

Cleveland Golf was purchased by Dunlop Sport in 2007
In 2005, Quiksilver, Inc. purchased the assets of Rossignol and operated Cleveland Golf until December 2007, when Dunlop Sport stepped in and acquired the company. Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. owns and operates several brands in North America. Cleveland Golf has its research and development base in Huntington Beach, California, where Roger Cleveland first developed the teardrop-shaped wedges that are now the most commonly used type of wedge.
Since becoming a member of the Dunlop Group, Cleveland Golf has combined its classic designs with Dunlop's cutting-edge technology to become a popular choice for top pro golfers worldwide. The Dunlop logo has started to appear on tour, including on the headwear of defending major champion Hideki Matsuyama and all tour players contracted for headwear.
Dunlop Sports, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries, has a long history in the sports business, beginning with the production of golf and tennis balls in Japan. The company has since expanded to offer sporting goods under various brands, including XXIO, Srixon, and Cleveland Golf, each with its unique character and target market.
Golfing with AM Radio Phoenix: The Perfect Swing Companion
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Cleveland Golf is a brand specialising in wedges
In 2005, Quiksilver, Inc. purchased the assets of Rossignol and operated Cleveland Golf until December 2007, when it was acquired by Dunlop Sport, a subsidiary of Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. As part of the Dunlop Group, Cleveland Golf has combined classic design aesthetics with Dunlop's cutting-edge technology to become a trusted brand for top pro golfers worldwide.
Cleveland Golf wedges are known for their high quality, feel, and forgiveness, making them suitable for golfers of all skill levels. They offer a range of lofts and grinds to meet the diverse needs of golfers. The company's R&D base is located in Huntington Beach, California, where Roger Cleveland first developed the teardrop-shaped wedges that are now the most common type.
The brand has established a strong reputation in the golf industry, particularly with its wedges, which have become a favourite among top pro golfers in overseas tournaments. Cleveland Golf wedges are often chosen for their ability to "'lock in victory" with precise short game shots. The company's alignment with the Dunlop brand has further enhanced its presence in the North American market, with the Dunlop logo featured on tour and in global marketing strategies.
Golf Spikes: Are They Universal or Course-specific?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Dunlop Sports Co. Ltd. purchased Cleveland Golf in 2007.
Cleveland Golf is a sporting goods company that creates golf equipment. It was founded as Cleveland Classics by Roger Cleveland in 1979.
Dunlop Sports is a brand under the Dunlop Group, which is owned by Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd.
Cleveland Golf specializes in wedges, which are clubs used for short game shots.
Cleveland Golf began as a company producing replicas of classic golf clubs. In 1990, it was purchased by ski equipment manufacturer Skis Rossignol, and the name was changed to Cleveland Golf. The company grew with the sales of clubs such as VAS woods and irons. Later, it introduced Tour Action irons and QuadPro woods with more classic designs.











































