Brent Walker

Brent Walker was a UK company involved in property, gambling, distilled beverages and pubs. It was founded by George Walker, the brother of the boxer Billy Walker.

In 1991, following the accumulation of debts which had been used to finance acquisitions, George Walker was ousted from the company and its board sold its remaining investments under the supervision of its bankers.

Born in London, George Walker career began as a porter at Billingsgate Fish Market. Like his brother, Walker became a boxer of the 1950s. Following his retirement from the ring he undertook a number of business ventures including Dolly's nighclub in London.

In 1974 Walker arranged a reverse takeover of Hackney and Hendon Greyhound Company, a stock market listed company, sold his own business interests to it and changed its name to Brent Walker. Using land from the Hendon Greyhound Stadium, Brent Walker entered into a joint venture with Hammerson Estates to develop the Brent Cross shopping centre, taking a 25% stake. Brent Walker sold its interest in Brent Cross to Hammerson in 1976.

The films The Stud (1978), The Bitch (1979) and Quadrophenia were financed by Brent Walker in the 1970s. Video productions of Gilbert & Sullivan operas were produced in the 1980s. In 1987 the company acquired Goldcrest Films.

In 1979 Brent Walker acquired the Camera Effects post-production and visual effects company. It was sold to Rank Organisation in 1981.

Brent Walker operated Southend Pier between 1986 and 1988. It also acquired the Kursaal amusement park in Southend in 1988. The local authority stepped in to take over this dilapidated property in the 1990s.

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