Dunlop Slazenger was a sports equipment manufacturing company formed by BTR plc by consolidating the various sports brands acquired as part their take-over of Dunlop Holdings in 1985. The company is most recognised for its involvement in golf, tennis, squash and badminton through the Dunlop, Slazenger, Maxfli and Carlton brands.
In 1996 the company was sold in a management buyout backed by private equity firm Cinven. This arrangement did not have a successful existence, and Dunlop Slazenger soon found itself being run by the banks, led by The Royal Bank of Scotland. Under the banks management, TaylorMade-adidas Golf took up their option to purchase the Maxfli golf brand in 2004, following a previous licensing arrangement, and the rights to Slazenger Golf in North America were sold to the Slazenger Golf Products Company.
The remainder of Dunlop Slazenger was eventually sold to Sports World International in 2004, since when the various brands have been licensed freely.