Investment vehicle acquires Champion Sports

Leading Irish sports retailer Champion Sports Group has today been acquired by PCP ONE, an investment vehicle representing a consortium of investors led by John Quinn.

PCP ONE Limited will acquire the entire business interests of Champion Sports Group which includes 17 retail outlets located in prime retail locations throughout the country.

John Quinn, managing director of PCP ONE and spokesman for the consortium, said the acquisition presents a significant opportunity for the further development and expansion of the Champion Sports Group.

The PCP ONE consortium includes a small number of Irish investors, including financier Bernard Somers.

PCP ONE, together with the Champion Sports management team, who will remain in place post the acquisition, plan to increase the scale of the business. This will see an extended rollout of stores in large population centres throughout the country.

This growth plan will be funded by PCP ONE and Anglo Irish Bank.

“The new owners will bring a renewed focus and commitment to the business,” said Champion Sports managing director Liam Cunningham. “This coupled with the existing management team and excellent brand name presents a unique opportunity for the Champion Sports Group.”

The transaction is subject to Competition Authority approval.