JD Sports eyes acquisition of French sportswear retailer
JD Sports has entered negotiations with French sportswear brand Courir over the possibility of an acquisition.
The deal would see JD Sports take control of 100% of Courir’s share capital for a consideration of €520m (£452m).
Courir was acquired in 2018 by Equistone Partners Europe following the carve out from Groupe Go Sport. It operates 313 stores across France, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg.
A further 36 franchise stores trade in north west Africa, the Middle East, and French overseas territories, while two stores in Denmark trade under the Naked brand.
As the deal is subject to European Union Law, completion of the acquisition is not expected before the second half of 2023.
Régis Schulz, CEO of JD Sports, said: “Securing greater control over the long-term development of JD and prioritising the development of the JD brand is a key pillar in our growth strategy in Europe. It will give us simpler decision making which will allow us to use our assets with more efficiency.”