David Brown Limited was a British engineering company, principally engaged in the manufacture of gears and gearboxes.

Founded in 1860 as a general manufacturing company, by 1873 David Brown had focused on gear systems.

David Brown were one of the greats in tractor production, Breaking new ground where others were only to follow later, but being pioneering ultimately lead to their downfall.

In 1947, the company acquired Aston Martin and in 1948, Lagonda, selling both in 1972 to Company Developments Limited.

In 1990, the family disposed of its stake to its management who floated the group as a public company in 1993. David Brown was acquired by Textron Inc. in October 1998.

(http://en.wikipedia.org)