JD Sports finalises acquisition of Courir for €520m (£433m) post-European Commission approval.
- Courir, a leading sneaker retailer in France, operates 323 stores across several European countries.
- JD Sports plans to broaden its customer reach through this acquisition, targeting a more diverse clientele.
- As part of the acquisition agreement, some Courir stores in France and Portugal will be sold to Snipes.
- The acquisition supports JD Sports’ strategy to reinforce its presence in Europe’s sneaker market.
JD Sports, a significant player in the sportswear sector, has successfully completed the acquisition of Courir, a prominent sneaker retailer in France, for €520m (£433m). This move comes after the European Commission gave its approval, marking a strategic step in JD Sports’ ambition to strengthen its position across Europe.
Courir operates 323 stores spread over France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Luxembourg. Additionally, the brand extends its reach with 36 franchise stores located in North West Africa, the Middle East, and French overseas territories, alongside three stores focused on women’s sneakers under a premium concept.
Régis Schultz, CEO of JD Sports, highlighted that this acquisition is a milestone for their strategy in Europe. The purchase is set to enhance JD’s customer base by including more women, fashion-conscious individuals, and an older demographic, thus complementing their existing market.
In a noteworthy development, as part of the European Commission’s stipulations, JD Sports will divest 15 Courir stores in France and all six stores in Portugal to the German sneaker company Snipes by the first quarter of FY26. These outlets will retain the Courir branding until the sale is completed.
In 2023, Courir reported impressive revenue figures of €725.8m (£604m) and a profit before interest and tax standing at €50.3m (£41m). JD Sports is enthusiastic about integrating Courir’s management, led by Pierre Chambaudrie, to continue evolving the brand across European markets.
This acquisition marks a significant step for JD Sports in consolidating its footprint in the European sneaker market.
