JD Sports buys 60% of Poland-based MIG

Peter Cowgill

Bury-based FTSE 100 retailer JD Sports Fashion Plc said on Friday it entered into a conditional agreement for the acquisition of 60% of Poland-based Marketing Investment Group S.A.

Based in Krakow, and founded in 1989, MIG is currently majority owned by brothers Andrzej and Zbigniew Grząka.

“The business operates 410 retail stores and associated trading websites across nine countries in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), selling a wide range of sports fashion footwear, apparel and accessories from leading global brands primarily under the Sizeer and 50 Style fascias,” said JD Sports.

“In the year ended 31 January 2020, MIG generated revenues of approximately £200 million.”

Completion of the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by the competition authorities in Poland.

JD Sports and MIG anticipate completing this acquisition before the end of May 2021.

JD Sports Fashion executive chairman Peter Cowgill said: “This is an exciting acquisition for JD that will further build on the success of our international development strategy, expanding our operations into Central and Eastern Europe.

“We have observed and admired the development of MIG over a number of years and we are confident that the combination of their highly experienced and knowledgeable management team, together with the expertise of the JD leadership team, will provide the Group with strong foundations from which to successfully optimise the opportunities in the region.

“We look forward to closing the transaction and welcoming the MIG team to the group.”