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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Feb- 2019 -5 FebruaryEntertainment
HMV bought by Sunrise Records
HMV has been bought by Canadian record store chain Sunrise Records, the deal will save 100 stores and 1,487 jobs, while 27 stores are expected to shutter resulting in 455 redundancies. No price has been given for the entertainment retailer, with staff expected to be notified if their store is…
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4 FebruaryHigh Street
Mike Ashley acquires Sofa.com
Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley has acquired Sofa.com for a “nominal sum”, adding yet another business to his growing portfolio of high street retailers. According to a report by Sky News, the acquisition will enable Ashley to add further Sofa.com concessions to the House of Fraser (HoF) chain he bought…
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4 FebruaryEntertainment
Canadian record shop owner ‘enters race’ for HMV
Doug Putman, the owner of Canadian record store chain, Sunrise Records, is said to be interested in purchasing HMV. The retail boss would rival Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley, who has already placed a bid for the entertainment retailer. HMV administrators KPMG refused to comment on Putman’s interest, which was…
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1 FebruaryHigh Street
ScS ends Sofa.com talks paving way for Mike Ashley
ScS has ended its interest in acquiring rival furniture retailer Sofa.com stating it is “no longer in discussions”, leaving Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley in prime position. Both Mike Ashley and ScS had expressed interest in acquiring Sofa.com. However ScS today (1 February) said in an update: “The group confirms…
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Jan- 2019 -30 JanuaryHigh Street
Mike Ashley and ScS in competition over Sofa.com
Both Mike Ashley and rival furniture retailer ScS have expressed interest in acquiring Sofa.com. ScS has confirmed via a statement its interest in Sofa.com which was put up for sale last month. It said: “The group confirms that ScS Group is in discussions regarding a potential acquisition of the business…
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29 JanuaryEconomy
Mike Ashley faces fine for late account filing of Mash Holdings
Mash Holdings, a company run by Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley, could be facing a fine as its accounts filings are six months late. The company’s filings were expected on the 23 July 2018 and have currently still not been submitted according to BBC news. As such the company could…
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23 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Sports Direct saves House of Fraser Intu stores
Four House of Fraser stores in Intu shopping centres have been saved from closure, avoiding the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. The Lakeside, Metrocentre, Norwich, and Nottingham stores were at risk of closing after Sports Direct was unable to reach an agreement with Intu Properties landlords. In November, Sports…
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21 JanuaryHigh Street
Mike Ashley among bidders eyeing HMV
According to reports, Sports Direct owner Mike Ashley is among bidders seeking to purchase HMV, which recently announced its second administration in six years. The music and film retailer officially fell into administration during the festive period, and was denied a £3.35m government tax cut before it entered administration according…
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10 JanuaryDepartment Stores
Debenhams chairman ousted by Mike Ashley
The chairman of Debenhams, Sir Ian Cheshire, has resigned with immediate effect after Mike Ashley and other shareholders voted him off the board at the company’s AGM. It is understood Sports Direct, which is controlled by Mike Ashley and is a 29.7% shareholder in the business, along with Dubai-based Landmark, another…
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4 JanuaryComment
Carnage on the shop floor
The pressure on the retail sector has been a consistent staple for investors since the end of the financial crisis, partly as a result of changing shopping habits but also down to rising costs and outdated business models. This has been no better illustrated by the way UK consumers behaved…
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