17/09/2012
JJB Sports Takeover Deal Threatens 2,000 Jobs
Sports Direct International may finalise a deal to take over struggling rival JJB Sports, in a move that could see around half of JJBs 180 stores closing and the lose of almost 2,000 jobs.
The bid from Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United Football Club and founder of Sports Direct, is currently the leading contender of the eight tabled.
He is believed to have plans to axe all but the most profitable stores with the rest of the company being put into administration.
Competition authorities are likely to scrutinise any deal, as Sports Direct is already Britain's largest high-street sporting goods chain.
Wigan-based JJB was once the biggest UK sports retailer, valued at £1bn at its peak, but plunged into chaos under chief executive and substantial shareholder Chris Ronnie, the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation.
Shares worth 2940p in 2007 were trading at 0.36p on Friday.
In April, a £30m strategic investment by shareholders and Dick's Sporting Goods of America – another potential buyer – was announced to try to turn the company's fortunes around. But by July, months of poor weather and dashed hopes pinned on Euro 2012 replica kit led sales to tumble further amid growing debts.
Money spent on transforming 60 key stores failed to make an impact, Dick's wrote off its investment and JJB put itself up for sale at the end of August after failing to secure further funds.
(H)
The bid from Mike Ashley, owner of Newcastle United Football Club and founder of Sports Direct, is currently the leading contender of the eight tabled.
He is believed to have plans to axe all but the most profitable stores with the rest of the company being put into administration.
Competition authorities are likely to scrutinise any deal, as Sports Direct is already Britain's largest high-street sporting goods chain.
Wigan-based JJB was once the biggest UK sports retailer, valued at £1bn at its peak, but plunged into chaos under chief executive and substantial shareholder Chris Ronnie, the subject of a Serious Fraud Office investigation.
Shares worth 2940p in 2007 were trading at 0.36p on Friday.
In April, a £30m strategic investment by shareholders and Dick's Sporting Goods of America – another potential buyer – was announced to try to turn the company's fortunes around. But by July, months of poor weather and dashed hopes pinned on Euro 2012 replica kit led sales to tumble further amid growing debts.
Money spent on transforming 60 key stores failed to make an impact, Dick's wrote off its investment and JJB put itself up for sale at the end of August after failing to secure further funds.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 September 2012
JJB Sports Prepare To Call In Administrators
Shares in sportswear store JJB Sports has been suspended as the struggling retailer prepares to call in the administrators. The firm said it would continue to trade through all of its outlets while it readies a widely anticipated pre-pack administration.
JJB Sports Prepare To Call In Administrators
Shares in sportswear store JJB Sports has been suspended as the struggling retailer prepares to call in the administrators. The firm said it would continue to trade through all of its outlets while it readies a widely anticipated pre-pack administration.
16 April 2008
JJB To Close 72 Stores After Profits Slump
JJB Sports has announced it is closing of 72 of its stores and axing 800 jobs following a massive fall in its annual profits. The Wigan-based sports retailer and health clubs group, which currently employs 1,200 people in more than 400 stores throughout the UK, revealed adjusted profits fell sharply, down 28.5% to £33.
JJB To Close 72 Stores After Profits Slump
JJB Sports has announced it is closing of 72 of its stores and axing 800 jobs following a massive fall in its annual profits. The Wigan-based sports retailer and health clubs group, which currently employs 1,200 people in more than 400 stores throughout the UK, revealed adjusted profits fell sharply, down 28.5% to £33.
01 May 2003
Consumer groups chew out Cadbury’s sports scheme
Consumer groups have branded Cadbury's Get Active promotion scheme as an “irresponsible ploy to encourage unhealthy eating among kids”. Cadbury's 'Free Sports Kit 4 Schools' scheme offers sports equipment to schools in exchange for Cadbury's chocolate bar wrappers, claiming that it will encourage children to get more active.
Consumer groups chew out Cadbury’s sports scheme
Consumer groups have branded Cadbury's Get Active promotion scheme as an “irresponsible ploy to encourage unhealthy eating among kids”. Cadbury's 'Free Sports Kit 4 Schools' scheme offers sports equipment to schools in exchange for Cadbury's chocolate bar wrappers, claiming that it will encourage children to get more active.
30 August 2012
JJB Sports Up For Sale
Sports chain JJB Sports has put itself up for sale. This follows a failed attempt to raise funds for the revamp of up to 180 stores. The Wigan-based retailer, which employs about 4,000 people, warned shareholders that a rescue deal may see holdings in the company rendered worthless.
JJB Sports Up For Sale
Sports chain JJB Sports has put itself up for sale. This follows a failed attempt to raise funds for the revamp of up to 180 stores. The Wigan-based retailer, which employs about 4,000 people, warned shareholders that a rescue deal may see holdings in the company rendered worthless.
19 July 2013
Sports Direct Staff Cash On Company's Success
Staff at retailer Sports Direct are to share in windfall profits with six bonus payouts. In the past year, the company's profits have grown by 40% to more than £200 million. Some 2,000 staff will now receive bonus payments worth £100,000 each.
Sports Direct Staff Cash On Company's Success
Staff at retailer Sports Direct are to share in windfall profits with six bonus payouts. In the past year, the company's profits have grown by 40% to more than £200 million. Some 2,000 staff will now receive bonus payments worth £100,000 each.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.