JD Sports 'close to Blacks deal'

Sportswear firm JD Sports Fashion today confirmed it is close to landing “certain assets” of the ailing retailer Blacks Leisure.

The company, whose largest shareholder Pentland owns the outdoor brands Berghaus and Brasher, has reportedly offered £20m (€22m) for the majority of the 300 Blacks and Millets stores and will retain many of Blacks’ 3,500 staff. However, it is not expected to want the company’s warehouse and head office.