SPORTS DIRECT PLC HOLDING IN DEBENHAMS PLC

13 January 2014

DEBENHAMS PLC

SPORTS DIRECT INTERNATIONAL PLC HOLDING IN DEBENHAMS PLC

Debenhams plc ("Debenhams") has been informed that Sports Direct International plc ("Sports Direct") has acquired 56,829,293 million shares, representing 4.63% of the issued share capital of Debenhams.

Debenhams notes that Sports Direct intends to be a supportive shareholder and that it wishes to explore options at an operational level to work together. Debenhams is open minded with regard to exploring operational opportunities to improve its performance, alongside its own existing and planned initiatives, in order to create value for all Debenhams shareholders.

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Enquiries

Analysts and Investors

Lisa Williams, Debenhams plc 020 3549 6304, 07908 483841

Media

Simon Sporborg, Brunswick Group 020 7404 5959

Tim Danaher, Brunswick Group 020 7404 5959

Notes to editors

Debenhams is a leading international, multi-channel brand with a proud British heritage which trades from 240 stores across 29 countries and is available online in 67 countries. Debenhams gives its customers around the world a unique, differentiated and exclusive mix of own brands, international brands and concessions.

In the UK, Debenhams has a top five market share in womenswear and menswear and a top ten share in childrenswear. It is a market leader in premium health and beauty.

Debenhams has been investing in British design for 20 years through its exclusive Designers at Debenhams portfolio of brands. Current designers include Abigail Ahern, Jeff Banks, Jasper Conran, Vicki Elizabeth, FrostFrench, Patrick Grant, Henry Holland, Betty Jackson, Ben de Lisi, Julien Macdonald, Jane Packer, Jenny Packham, Pearce Fionda, Stephen Jones, Markus Lupfer, Todd Lynn, Preen, Janet Reger, John Rocha, Jonathan Saunders, Marios Schwab, Ashley Thomas, Eric Van Peterson and Matthew Williamson.