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4 Aug 2009 09:30
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04 AugustΒ 2009
JD Sports Fashion Plc
Acquisition of key trading assets and trade of Canterbury Europe Limited
JD Sports Fashion Plc ('JD'Β or 'the Group'), the leading retailer of sport and athletic inspired fashion apparel and footwear, announces that itΒ hasΒ acquired the key trading assets and trade of Canterbury Europe Limited (in administration) along with the global rights to the world famous heritage rugby brandΒ 'Canterbury' and 'Canterbury of New Zealand'. The brand, goodwill and fixedΒ assets have been acquired for Β£6.5Β millionΒ in cash.
The acquisition means that JD now owns two important rugby brand businesses following the acquisition of Kooga Rugby Limited on 3 July 2009. JD believes that these branded wholesaler acquisitions can be developed profitably and that the global intellectual property rights will generate royalty income.Β
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The Canterbury brand was established in New Zealand over 100 years ago and has become the world's foremost rugby apparel brand, distributing both technical and lifestyle product. It is the current brand shirt sponsor of the international rugby union teams ofΒ South AfricaΒ andΒ AustraliaΒ and of many leading clubs worldwide.Β
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman of JD, said:
"We are delighted with the acquisition of theΒ CanterburyΒ and Kooga brands, which will further diversifyΒ the Group's overall interests in the sports and related leisurewear markets."Β Β
Enquiries:
JD Sports Fashion Plc Tel: 0161 767 1000
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman
Hogarth Partnership Limited Tel: 0207 357 9477
Andrew Jaques
Barnaby Fry
Ian Payn
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