UK retailer JD Sports Fashion has completed the acquisition of French trainer chain Courir. With this, the group is strengthening its position in Europe and aims to entice a more feminine clientele.
Brand identity retained
Back in May 2023, JD Sports had announced the planned acquisition: at the time, the British chain mentioned a takeover amount of 520 million euros. To obtain European approval for the transaction, the acquirer will sell 15 Courir shops in France and six in Portugal to its competitor Snipes – like vanHaren, part of the Deichmann group.
With this deal, JD Sports strengthens its position in continental Europe: Courir has 323 shops in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal and Luxembourg. The French trainer chain also has 36 franchise shops in northwest Africa, the Middle East and French overseas territories.
Courir will retain its brand identity after the acquisitions, says Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports Fashion: ‘This acquisition will expand JD Group’s reach by attracting a more female, fashion-conscious and older customer base, complementing our core customer base.’
