JJB reveals Umbro strike

Takeover speculation surrounding England kit maker Umbro took a new twist today after sportswear retailer JJB Sports took a 10% stake.

The retailer’s holding – plus the 15% of Umbro already held by billionaire entrepreneur Mike Ashley’s Sport Direct International – could form a significant hurdle to any approach for the company.

American sportswear giant Nike has been linked with Umbro after the company confirmed yesterday it had received a takeover approach from a mystery suitor.