Six sibling duos who have become big business winners together – including Asda owners
YOU can’t choose your siblings — but you can choose to launch a business with them.
Brothers Mohsin and Zuber Issa were catapulted into the spotlight when they bought Asda for £6.8billion in 2021.
Mohsin — who is painfully publicity shy — will now get even more attention after being called to give evidence in front of MPs.
The supermarket chain faces accusations it has been ripping off drivers by boosting its fuel profit margins.
Here, we look at six sibling business pairings — including the Issas — who’ve been a hit.
Luis – Cutter & Squidge
SISTERS Emily and Annabel Lui launched bakery firm Cutter & Squidge in 2012.
They began with classes in cake-decorating and opening cafes, but the Covid lockdowns forced them to close stores and move online.
Despite the pandemic, Cutter & Squidge has grown sales by 66 per cent over the last three years.
It is on track to make £8.2million this year.
Emily said: “It works being sisters because we can 100 per cent rely on each other.”
Collisons – Stripe
IRISH brothers Patrick and John Collison set up payments company Stripe in 2010 when they were aged just 21 and 19.
The firm is now valued at nearly £40billion, it has 7,000 staff and provides payment services to companies including Deliveroo, Frasers Group and Hargreaves Lansdown.
Patrick has said he and John work well together because “we did all of our fighting when we were young”.
Beahons – Castore
THE Beahon brothers set up premium sportswear label Castore in 2016 from their kitchen table — after accepting they would only ever be mediocre sportsmen.
Since then, ex-Tranmere Rovers youth teamer Tom and former semi-pro cricketer Phil have got funding from tennis icon Sir Andy Murray and the Issa brothers.
They provide kits for England cricket, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Rangers.
Tom said: “You are always there to help each other.”
Issas – Asda & EG
AFTER working as children in their dad’s garage, brothers Moshin and Zuber Issa started their business endeavours with one derelict petrol station in Blackburn in 2001.
They have since expanded their EG Group forecourt empire overseas with the help of lots of debt from TDR Capital.
The brothers — neighbours in Blackburn — bought Asda and healthy fast-food chain Leon.
They also tried to buy Caffe Nero.
Perrys – Cook
BROTHER and sister Ed and Rosie Perry launched upmarket frozen ready meals business Cook 25 years ago.
When they were kids, their mum batch-cooked meals for the freezer in case their parents worked late.
The £100million brand plans to open 150 stores and concessions this year.
It is launching vending machines for home-cooked style meals.
The pair have refused outside investors despite offers from venture capitalists.
Sterns – Mustard Made
SISTERS Becca Stern and Jess Gray launched Mustard Made five years ago — selling vintage-inspired storage lockers.
They started a business to spend more time together after being split between the UK and Australia.
They made £6.1million in sales last year and have a team of 26 spread between Jess’s home London and Australia — where Becca is based.
They say: “Our differences made Mustard what it is.”
Cab lift for LSE
A RARE listing made its way on to the London Stock Exchange yesterday — with money transfer group CAB Payments raising £335million.
The company debuted with a £851million valuation, making it the biggest London listing this year.
Shares in the Sutton-based firm, which reported sales of £122million last year, sold at a fixed price of 335p each.
The listing has given the London market a much-needed boost, after chemicals giant WE Soda pulled its £6billion flotation last month.
Currys favour
THE boss of Currys rejected suggestions it could collaborate with electrics rival AO World.
Frasers Group founder Mike Ashley is a big shareholder in both companies.
And they have each welcomed a “strategic relationship” with Frasers.
Currys boss Alex Baldock said his firm’s strong UK performance was blighted by slumping sales in its Nordics region — triggering a £450million loss.
He is cautious about the consumer outlook as family budgets come under pressure from soaring mortgage costs.