Republic saved after Sports Direct buy-out

MORE than 2,100 jobs have been saved after retailer Sports Direct completed the acquisition of the business and assets of Yorkshire-based Republic.

The sale of the business includes the brand, 116 stores and the head office in Leeds.

Its local stores include outlets at Bullring and The Fort in Birmingham and shops in Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and the Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill.

Republic went into administration earlier this month, another casalty of the high street downturn.

Joint administrator Hunter Kelly of Ernst & Young said: “In what has been a very challenging time and volatile climate for retailers, it is particularly pleasing to have completed the successful sale of Republic (Retail) Ltd, saving 2,100 jobs across the UK high street and at its Leeds-based headquarters.

“The brand Republic is well recognised and well respected by customers for offering quality, high fashion goods and it is a testament to its strength that Sports Direct has made this investment to secure its future and high street presence.

“We are extremely grateful for the support and loyalty showed by all employees and customers during what has been an uncertain time, and would like to thank everyone at Republic for their commitment and hard work during the Administration process.”

A subsidiary of Sportsdirect.com Retail has bought the business.

A number of people were made redundant from Republic’s head office in February.

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