Sports Direct
This coverage focuses on Sports Direct’s activities and position within the UK retail market, detailing store developments, acquisitions, financial results, leadership changes, and strategic initiatives. Reporting examines how the company shapes its sportswear and leisure offering, adapts to market trends, and competes in a dynamic retail environment — providing retail managers and executives with insights into its operations and growth strategies.
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Jul- 2019 -9 JulyHigh Street
M and G withdraws court action against Debenhams
Real estate company M and G Real Estate has withdrawn its court challenge against retailer Debenhams, helping the retailer restructure through company voluntary arrangements (CVA). M and G had originally disagreed with the CVAs, which would allow Debenhams to reduce rent leading to the real estate company filing a court…
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3 JulyPeople Moves
Sports Direct retail chief leaves after 28 years
Sports Direct’s head of retail operations, Karen Byers, is stepping down from her position with immediate effect after 28 years, the Press Association has reported. Byers joined Sports Direct soon after it was founded by Mike Ashley, and has been described by him as the person who “runs Sports Direct”.…
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Jun- 2019 -28 JuneHigh Street
French Connection delays company sale
Fashion retailer French Connection is set to delay completion of its sale to September, to coincide with the company’s interim earnings report. Talks will still be ongoing with interested parties in the meantime. The statement from the company released today (28 June) said: “Discussions have progressed since then and are…
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24 JuneHigh Street
Game accepts £52m Sports Direct takeover
Video game retailer Game has agreed to Sports Direct’s £52m takeover offer. Prior to the agreement, the retailer’s board said it had been considering the merits of the mandatory offer and consulting with its major shareholders and advisers, whilst also actively engaging in normal course discussions with Sports Direct and…
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12 JuneDepartment Stores
Sports Direct challenges Debenhams CVA
Department store Debenhams has confirmed Sports Direct is among the parties which have sent applications to challenge its CVA which was voted through by creditors on 9 May. Debenhams went under the control of its lenders when it entered a pre-pack administration in April. Debenhams Group Holdings Limited, its subsidiaries…
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5 JuneHigh Street
Mike Ashley makes £51.9m offer for Game after increasing stake
Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct has made a £51.9m offer for the gaming retailer Game Digital after it increasing its stake from 20% to 38.5%. Sports Direct acquired the shares from Marlborough UK Micro-Cap Growth Fund passing the 30% threshold requiring Ashley to make an offer for the shares he does…
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May- 2019 -29 MayHigh Street
WHSmith ranked worst retailer in Which? Survey
WHSmith has finished bottom of Which?’s annual UK high street shops survey rankings of more than 100 shops, while specialist retailers came out on top. The annual survey of more than 7,700 Which? members looked at the bricks-and-mortar shops offering the best in-store experiences. WHSmith finished with a customer score…
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13 MayDepartment Stores
Mike Ashley plans to invest millions to revamp House of Fraser
Mike Ashely has revealed he plans to pledge hundreds of millions of pounds into relaunching House of Fraser in return for a three-year rent holiday. According to The Sunday Times, Ashley plans to open 31 upmarket stores rebranded to “Frasers” over the next five years – with five of these…
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3 MayHigh Street
Sports Direct facing probe from financial regulators
Sports Direct is facing scrutiny from two financial regulators over its accounts and information relating to a possible bid for Debenhams. According to The Times, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is looking into the retailer regarding the disclosure of information in relation to its bid for the department store. Questions…
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Apr- 2019 -18 AprilClothing & Shoes
Sports Direct sells flagship Dublin store for £17.3m
Sports Direct has reportedly sold its flagship Dublin store for €20m (£17.3m) in an off-market sale-and-leaseback deal to an unnamed investor. According to the Irish Times, under the deal, the retailer will continue to occupy the premises while paying the owner an annual rent of €950,000 (£823,802) for the next…
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