Rank Organisation Ltd

Sectors:

  • Information processing equipment production Business machine production
  • Recreation activities Film production, distribution & exhibition
  • Recreation activities Gambling, bookmaking, etc
  • Hotel, lodgings & catering services Holiday camp, etc, services
  • Precision instruments production Measuring inc navigational equipment production
  • Recreation activities Television & radio broadcasting
  • Electrical & electronic engineering Television & radio transmitting & receiving equipment production

Notes:

Traced origins to 1937 when formed by J Arthur Rank, 1888-1972, to acquire his film making interests which dated to 1934 when he participated in founding British National Films. In 1935 with others he established General Cinema Finance Corp which became a major force in film distribution and in 1936 he financed the building of Pinewood Studios. He was the son of Joseph Rank, founder of the leading grain milling business, Joseph Rank Ltd, later a public company, Ranks Ltd. 1938 acquired control of Denham Studios, in 1939 acquired Elstree Amalgamated Studios, in early 1940s acquired Odeon Theatres and Gaumont British Picture Corp Ltd. Came to own five major UK film studios including Pinewood, Elstree, Gainsborough and Lime Grove. By mid 1940s, when the size of the organisation equalled that of the five major US film making and distribution businesses, attempted unsuccessfully to establish amajor US film business. Diversified in 1940s and 50s into radio manufacture, owning Rank Bush Murphy Group, television broadcasting, specialist engineering and photocopier manufacture via its interest in Rank Xerox. Later acquired other leisure interests such as Butlins' holiday camps. 1996 acquired by Rank Group Plc which led to major divestments such as cinema, engineering, holiday camp and restaurant interests, in order to focus on gambling activities. Continues

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