JD Sports has acquired French sneaker retailer Courir, marking a significant expansion in Europe.
- The acquisition, valued at €520 million, received the European Commission’s approval.
- Courir operates 323 stores across six European countries, strengthening JD Sports’ market position.
- JD Sports CEO cites the acquisition as a strategic move to diversify the customer base.
- Part of the approval requires selling some Courir stores to Snipes.
JD Sports, a prominent sportswear retailer, has successfully acquired the French sneaker company Courir for €520 million, a move that aligns with its strategy to strengthen its foothold in the European market. This acquisition has been sanctioned by the European Commission, signifying a major step in JD Sports’ expansion plans. Courir, touted as a leader in the French sneaker market, enhances JD Sports’ presence in Europe, the continent’s most lucrative sneaker market.
The acquisition encompasses 323 Courir stores situated in France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Additionally, Courir operates 36 franchise outlets across North West Africa, the Middle East, and French overseas territories. The deal also includes three Naked stores, specialising in premium women’s sneakers, broadening JD Sports’ reach to a more fashion-conscious and female-oriented demographic.
Régis Schultz, the CEO of JD Sports, expressed enthusiasm over this development, highlighting it as a pivotal moment in their Complementary Concepts strategy. He noted that incorporating Courir would significantly extend the group’s customer demographics, appealing to older and more fashion-driven female consumers while complementing their existing clientele.
As part of the European Commission’s conditions for approval, JD Sports is set to divest 15 of Courir’s French locations and six Portuguese stores to Snipes, a German sneaker retailer, within the first quarter of their fiscal year 2026. During this transition, these stores will maintain the Courir brand until officially transferred.
Financially, Courir reported a revenue of €725.8 million in 2023, with profit before interest and tax reaching €50.3 million. Régis Schultz welcomed Courir’s management into JD Sports, looking forward to collaborating with Pierre Chambaudrie and his team to further extend the brand’s influence throughout Europe.
This strategic acquisition of Courir by JD Sports marks a substantial enhancement of its European market presence.
