JD Sports has acquired the outstanding 40% minority stake of Marketing Investment Group (MIG) from its minority shareholders.

Having exercised its rights under a call option and entered into a conditional agreement, the sports-fashion retailer will become the 100% sole owner of MIG.

JD, which lists on the FTSE 100, originally acquired a 60% stake in Poland-based MIG in April 2021, and since then has established the JD fascia in five countries across Central and Eastern Europe, operating 18 JD stores.

MIG also continues to trade profitably through Sizeer and other complementary fascias, selling a range of sports footwear, apparel and equipment. In the year ended 31 January 2023, MIG generated revenues of approximately £270m.

CEO of JD, Régis Schultz, said: “Acquiring the remaining 40% stake in MIG allows us to accelerate the development of JD in Central and Eastern Europe, the strong foundations for which have been established alongside the outgoing shareholders.

“Increasing JD's presence in the region through new store openings and further investment in our omnichannel capabilities is a key part of the strategic growth plan set out at our Capital Markets Day presentation. The complementary Sizeer brand provides a strong platform for the MIG business and the JD brand has evidenced strong initial traction with the consumer, which we will continue to build upon.

“We look forward to closing the transaction and continuing an exciting journey with the local management team.”

Completion of the acquisition remains subject to customary competition approval by the European Commission although JD is anticipating the move to go through no later than Q4 2023.

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