TCS - A historical family link to a footballing legend
Following the recent passing of the legendary Brazilian football player, Pele, the owners of Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS) have recollected fond memories of their uncle, Paul Ziff, founder of the iconic sports brand Stylo Matchmakers, and his link to the sporting legend, at the peak of his career
Celebrity endorsements from years gone by
The original footwear company Stylo was founded in 1935 by the ancestors of the Ziff family, and manufactured shoes that were made in Britain and sold worldwide.
In 1962 Paul Ziff persuaded his elder brother Arnold Ziff, founder of TCS and also chairman of Stylo shoes at the time, to allow him to set up a separate Sports Division, with its own head office and factory, which Paul named Stylo Matchmakers.
As chairman of the company and through his brainwave of pioneering celebrity endorsements, unheard of in the UK at the time, Paul with his unique branding skills, made Stylo Matchmakers market leader in football and golf shoes from the 1960’s to 1980’s.
Throughout those years, numerous endorsement contracts were signed with some of the world’s most famous football legends including Pele, George Best, Billy Bremner and Kevin Keegan, who were all more than happy to put their names to the bespoke and sleek new football boots.
Ben Ziff, Managing director of CitiPark, TCS energy and Technology said,
“The whole Ziff family express their condolences to Edson Arantes do Nascimento’s (Pelé’s) family at this time. We have always been extremely proud of the link my great uncle Paul had with the late footballer who was one of the greatest sportsmen of all time.
“The personalised football boots Uncle Paul made for him hopefully played just a small part in his success (if you look closely to the under-side you can see the personalised name engraved into the sole and side of the boots) and we are lucky to have the lovely image of the two legends together, from my aunt Lea’s collection”.