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1898-1964. The first Baron Rootes distributed Clyno cars until 1929 but concentrated on Hillman which he acquired in 1927 and merged two years later with Humber/Commer, building up the distribution and body-making business in the 1930s; he gained Singer in 1956. Among his designers were WO Bentley and Sir Alec Issigonis, although both gained their fame with other firms. He was involved in a Shadow Factory Scheme which from 1936 sought air parity with Germany. After the 1940 Blitz he was Chairman of the Coventry Industrial Reconstruction and Co-ordinating Committee. Because he was on the Appeals Committee, he became Chairman designate of the University of Warwick. Chairman of the post War Dollar Export Council, he was ennobled in 1959. Following strikes, Chrysler of America secured 30% of Rootes' voting and 50% of its non voting shares in 1964 but withdrew as full owners in 1979. See PA483 for the Reconstruction Committee minutes.