JD Sports is on course to boost its footprint in the Netherlands with the acquisition of 189 shops from Unlimited Sports Group (USG). 

The Bury-headquartered group, which has more than 800 stores across the UK and Europe, confirmed today it is in “advanced” talks with USG.

JD has been eyeing European expansion and last year boss Peter Cowgill vowed to have a store in every major European city.

The sports retailer is looking to acquire 58 Perry Sport and 131 Aktiesport stores, which are part of USG. Both Perry Sport and Aktiesport went bust earlier this year.

Nine different companies have been targeting the stores, according to Dutch media, but JD is now in “exclusive” discussions.

JD’s discussions with USG has meant it has to seek approval from the Dutch competition authorities.

In a statement the retailer said: “We will release a further update at the appropriate time.”

 

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