JD Sports set to acquire Champion Sports for €20m

CHAMPION Sports — the well-known Irish sports fashion retailer — is set to be acquired by its British rival, JD Sports, in a deal industry sources are valuing at around €20 million.

The deal, which will see JD Sports up its presence in the Republic from eight shops to 22, is reliant on Competition Authority approval and the British company then being satisfied with the terms on which any approval is granted.

However, JD’s executive chairman — Peter Cowgill — has already expressed his pleasure at the conditional acquisition, adding that his company’s enhanced presence in the Republic “will bring financial benefits in thefuture”.