http://pdf.reuters.com/Regnews/regnews.asp?i=43059c3bf0e37541&u=urn:newsml:reuters.com:20090804:RnsD8197W
.
RNS Number : 8197W
JD Sports Fashion Plc
04 August 2009
04 August 2009
JD Sports Fashion Plc
Acquisition of key trading assets and trade of Canterbury Europe Limited
JD Sports Fashion Plc ('JD' or 'the Group'), the leading retailer of sport and
athletic inspired fashion apparel and footwear, announces that it has acquired
the key trading assets and trade of Canterbury Europe Limited (in
administration) along with the global rights to the world famous heritage rugby
brand 'Canterbury' and 'Canterbury of New Zealand'. The brand, goodwill and
fixed assets have been acquired for £6.5 million 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.
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 of South Africa and Australia and of many leading clubs
worldwide.
Peter Cowgill, Executive Chairman of JD, said:
"We are delighted with the acquisition of the Canterbury and Kooga brands, which
will further diversify the Group's overall interests in the sports and related
leisurewear markets."
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
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
ACQUUUPURUPBURC