Sports Direct expands in Europe

Mike Ashley’s sportswear empire is expanding on two fronts in Europe after snapping up controlling stakes in a pair of retailers on the continent.

Sports Direct International, which is controlled by Newcastle United owner Mr Ashley, has struck a €40.5m deal to grab a 51% share of Austria’s EAG while paying an undisclosed sum for Sportland International Group (SIG), the largest sporting goods retailer in the Baltic region.